THE READER OMAHA AUGUST 2023

publisher/editor

graphic designers

John Heaston john@thereader.com

Ken Guthrie Albory Seijas

news Robyn Murray copy@thereader.com

production editor Michael Newgren spike@thereader.com

lead reporter Chris Bowling chris@thereader.com

associate publisher Karlha Velásquez karlha@el-perico.com

report for america corps member Bridget Fogarty bridget@el-perico.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

arts/visual Mike Krainak mixedmedia@thereader.com

backbeat MarQ Manner backbeat@thereader.com

dish Sara Locke crumbs@thereader.com

film Ryan Syrek cuttingroom@thereader.com

hoodoo ................ B.J. Huchtemann bjhuchtemann@gmail.com

over the edge .............

Tim McMahan tim.mcmahan@gmail.com

theater ................... Beaufield Berry coldcream@thereader.com

Farewell FaQs

The ReadeR and el PeRico plan to end with September’S iSSue a

fter announcing that I would be getting out of publishing and planned to cease publication of The Reader and El Perico with our September issue, I’ve been overwhelmed by the responses. So many memories, so much love and appreciation, but also quite a few questions. Let me try to answer the most frequent ones here.

why not sell the reader and el perico to a new owner?

That option is most certainly on the table, but it has to be the right arrangement. There’s a number of instances where local media like The Reader and El Perico have been purchased for their brand strength and audience, but not in the service of community journalism, instead being co-opted for political and personal agendas. We didn’t work this long and hard, you didn’t put so much trust in us, to see that happen, and once it’s sold, there’s no going back. We have had a good dozen inquiries related to keeping things going, but only a couple have the ready means and capacity. Those conversations are ongoing and I continue to welcome legitimate inquiries. Absent that, I trust that this is part of the creative destruction in the industry that can only create other, new opportunities.

isn’t the local media business failing and this is one more example?

No. There’s incredible innovation happening right now in local media and we were at the forefront of much of that, not only with our success in building diverse, sustainable revenues, mostly anchored in our agency business, but also being a cross-cultural, collaborative media company, launching Omaha Documenters, being a Report for America and Solutions Journalism Network Climate Beacon newsroom and consistently winning awards for our journalism. Over the last eight years we have seen nothing but steady growth -- in revenue, headcount and reach. It hasn’t been easy, but this isn’t another story of local media failing to adapt. Except, and where I failed as a business owner, we did not fully future-proof the business. That was a 7-10 year plan. We had even started employee ownership last year as an important first step. My current time horizons, due to my health, have shrank to 2-3 years. Hopefully, it’s another 30 years, but I feel it’s irresponsible not to acknowledge my new reality. Even more immediate, my capacity to keep driving revenue growth has increasingly been limited by the realities of managing a chronic health condition. What I used to be able to do easily, now takes more effort, focus and time. My bandwidth has shrunk. I need to manage that much more carefully now. That’s been my reckoning a year out from my transplant, now that I have a much firmer grasp on my recovery.

what about the website and archives?

We intend to keep the websites live indefinitely and we are currently working diligently to organize, preserve and index our archives. The Omaha Public Library has been an outstanding resource and even might have identified an opportunity to digitize those years when our archives aren’t online. Also, look for a short list of missing issues. We need your help to complete our history!

what about my membership in the reader?

We continue to keep memberships active through September 30. We will turn off all auto-renewals after August 31. All members are being contacted with three options for any remaining balance in their membership: 1) Support the future of journalism by moving the unused amount of their membership after September 30 to become a tax-deductible donation to Omaha Documenters; 2) Receive a full refund on the unused funds; or 3) Apply the funds to The Reader’s ongoing hosting and archival activities. If you’re a member, expect to start receiving quite a few emails asking for your decision.

how’s my health?

Right now, it’s pretty good. I’m traveling, I’m able to get out and for the most part I feel well and can be active, even if I can’t maintain my former pace. However, I’m still navigating graft-versus-host flare-ups and the steady wear and attrition of my cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and its relentless treatments. I’ve gotten a new appreciation for the “chronic” part of my condition. And, this is still cancer. It’s notorious for its evolving resistance to treatments and deadly returns.

what about that party you mentioned at the old polka hall?

We’re still working on something, but it’s looking like it will be closer to the holidays, when we have more time to plan, can finish the archival work and give more alumni a chance to join us.

anything else?

Yes, thank you, thank you, thank you for the opportunity to tell your stories and for supporting our work. It truly has been the honor of a lifetime.

John heaston PuBLISHER/EDITOR

t he p roblem w it h wor king ‘for e xposure’

BY tAMSen Butler

Creatives often receive the same few pieces of advice as they try to build their careers. They’re told to expect to toil and hustle if they ever hope to “make it” in their chosen field. They’re told that their work isn’t as valuable as the work put in by someone holding a traditional 9-to-5 job. And their work — whether that’s cre-

ating art, photography, music, writing, or any other creative pursuit, is sometimes flippantly referred to as a hobby by those who don’t understand the effort that goes into creating.

The popularity of the gig economy helped many creative people realize they could monetize their art and make a career of it. But the hill that

one must climb to achieve a thriving career as a creative is fraught with steppingstones that must be carefully navigated, especially when it comes to the old, “Do it for the exposure” theme that is so prevalent today.

advantage of by people who are well aware that many feel desperate to get their work seen by anyone — and that many struggle with impostor syndrome and feel asking someone to pay for their work isn’t reasonable.

When a company (or individual) tries to recruit creatives to do a job “for exposure,” they’re basically asking artists to use their creative talents to create something for nothing in return. After all, what is “exposure?” It’s the vague hope that your work will be seen by the right person, who may then offer you some money for your art.

It’s a trap many new creatives fall into. After all, Omaha is a small city, and word travels quickly. It would be natural to assume that something created for exposure (but no compensation) might escalate into a paying gig.

The other problem is working for free devalues what you do. It trains people to think all creatives will work for free (or for very little), lowering the amount of money professional creatives are offered to do their work overall. It’s a lose/lose situation.

dOn’t wOrk fOr free.

It’s one thing to do some pro bono work for your favorite nonprofit organization, but it’s another to take on a project for free when the only pay offered comes in the form of “exposure.”

You don’t need to take on these so-called exposure gigs to build up a portfolio, either. Create work you are proud of and publish it on your own website.

But there are a couple problems with that idea. The first is that creatives are often taken

You wouldn’t drive for Lyft or Uber for free in the hopes of a passenger realizing you’re a really great driver and hiring you on as their personal chauffeur. That’s what working for “exposure” is like, and it doesn’t make good sense.

“I CAn’t pAy yOu, But pleASe dO It AnywAy.”

“expOSure” dOeSn’t pAy tHe BIll S.

PHOTO: Dieg

remember?

Share Your Memories

Do you have a favorite article, picture, comic or other memory from The Reader that you’d like to share? Perhaps a concert listing of your favorite band in Cool Things that led to an epic night out? Or maybe something you learned through us? We want to hear from you. Send us your memories! We’ll share some of them over these next couple of issues...

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FALL

Despite Delays, Climate Action Creeps Forward

City SAyS it’S CloSe to StArting ClimAte Work, Community engAgement to StArt Soon

By Chris Bowling

Afunding shift led to a five-month delay on the city’s long-awaited climate action plan. But officials say the plan, first announced nearly two years ago, which would study the city’s vulnerabilities to climate change and recommend steps forward, is progressing. By the end of the summer, officials expect to see a website for city climate work, a schedule for community engagement to allow citizens to help form the plan as well as research into current city policy to inform future strategy.

Originally Omaha intended to use one-time grants for the $376,000 it agreed to pay paleBLUEdot, the Minnesota-based climate contractor it selected in March, as well as its partner HDR, a local consulting firm handling community

engagement. The city then learned about a $1 million, non-competitive grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the first in a multi-phase process to fund climate planning and implementation.

“We had to, not start over, but we had to press pause to put this application together,” Marco Floreani, deputy chief of staff for economic development to the mayor, said of the EPA program.

Floreani said he expects the city to reach an agreement with the EPA by the end of summer and that work on the climate plan should start Aug. 1.

Initially, the project’s timeline included starting community engagement in April 2023 as well as providing an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions by August. The plan was to be finalized in July 2024.

While those deadlines have shifted, Ted Redmond, co-founder of paleBLUEdot, said his company hasn’t been

dormant during the delay. It’s been assessing the city’s current environmental policies, outlining processes for community engagement, including an online survey, and compiling data for the greenhouse gas inventory. An online survey will be available after the city launches its Climate Action and Resiliency Plan website.

The EPA grant also requires the city to submit a preliminary climate plan in early 2024, a comprehensive plan two years after the grant is awarded and a status report at the end of the four-year grant period.

Omaha City Council President Pete Festersen said while he’s happy the plan is moving forward, the delay is another frustration in what’s been a long journey toward climate action.

“I’d like to see a much higher priority placed on [climate change],” Festersen said. “I’ve been frustrated with the slow start … and delayed timelines.”

Mayor Jean Stothert first announced her intention to pursue a climate plan in November 2021. Climate action plans assess an area’s vulnerability to climate change as well as outline potential strategies to address it, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions or preparing for flooding. The EPA program also requires cities to address issues in low-income areas, which often are disproportionately affected by climate change.

As of February 2022, 35 of the 50 biggest U.S. cities had adopted climate action plans, including Kansas City, Minneapolis and Chicago. Lincoln passed its own plan in 2021.

After Stothert’s announcement, the development of a request for proposals lingered for about a year within Metro Smart Cities, an organization co-chaired by the mayor that includes representatives from local government, nonprofits and others. The group, which has advised local planning efforts since 2016, is

This sTory is parT of The reader’s ClimaTe BeaCon newsroom iniTiaTive wiTh soluTions Journalism neT work To inCrease our ClimaTe Change Coverage in omaha.

The Omaha skyline seen frOm The iOwa side Of The missOuri river.

Photo by Jesse Duering.

not a public body and has closed meetings.

In September 2022, Festersen proposed a resolution to allocate city money toward the plan, frustrated by the lack of progress and transparency. About a week later Stothert released a timeline for the initiative. Within a few months the city had selected palebLUEdot and HDR to lead the plan.

Today, Floreani said he and a team of city staff, including employees from the planning and public works departments, meet at least weekly on the plan. By working with the EPA, the city is also learning how to utilize the federal Inflation Reduction Act, which authorized $369 billion in climate and energy-related spending and aims to reduce carbon emissions 40% by 2030.

Floreani, Festersen and Redmond agree the key to Omaha’s plan is finding actionable steps to tackle climate change and making sure accountability is baked into the document.

“We don’t want a plan [that sits] on a shelf,” Floreani said. “We really want a plan that can be implemented.”

Festersen said he plans to hold the mayor’s office to that promise because he’s seen plenty of environmental initiatives fizzle in the 14 years he’s sat on the Council. For example, the city used to have an Office for Sustainable Development that primarily ran an energy-efficient homes program. Stothert cut the grant-funded team of three planning employees after being elected in 2013. A spokesperson for Stothert declined a Reader request to interview the mayor.

Festersen and others on the council also advocated for a citywide plastic bag ban in 2019 that was vetoed by the mayor. The city’s latest 10-year trash contract also drew ire when it was signed in 2019 for the decision to roll back yard waste composting to only two pickup periods a year. City composting is about a sixth of what it was in 2005, according to city trash data. However, new 96-gallon cans have led to a 42%

increase in recycling from 2019 to 2022.

But climate change has become something the city can’t ignore as Nebraska faces hotter summers, longer droughts, more severe storms and other ecological shifts. It’s also becoming bad business not to address climate change.

“[Young workers] want to be in a community that’s focused on adaption and being proactive,” said Floreani, who spent several years in the Omaha Chamber of Commerce before joining the city. “From a business perspective, companies are thinking about risk. They want to be in a community — or they want to grow in a community — that is serious about future risks. And a lot of risk can be associated with climate change resiliency issues.”

Several committees will be working on the plan as it comes together, including community stakeholders, focus groups and the team within the city itself. Metro Smart Cities has the final decision on the plan, but Floreani said that’s before it would go to the city’s planning board and the City Council.

“[Metro Smart Cities] will have an opportunity to review it and will be part of the planning … and will also be involved in picking recommendations for implementing things like pilot projects or helping us engage the public,” he said. “But ultimately, it’s the City of Omaha’s plan.”

To make sure this is a plan that leads to a new direction in sustainability, Festersen said the city needs to make climate change a priority. For him that means hiring someone who’s focused on leading the climate plan as well as its implementation.

“That’s best practice everywhere this has been done,” he said. “And I think that’s part of the challenge we’re experiencing right now with some delays and some clunky timelines. It’s no one person’s top priority right now. It needs to be driven by someone whose job it is every day to implement.”

“They made it easy to set up a business bank account and even easier to secure financing for our first major purchase as a business.”

Joe Manzari | Midwest Removal

Holy Heat Pumps

THis APPliAnce sAves Money And lowers cArbon eMissions. FederAl TAx breAks MAke

By MArk Higgins,

swiTcHing eAsier

Three years ago, with children grown and moved out of omaha, my wife and i purchased a house better suited to our current life situation. i was pleased to discover the house had a dual fuel heat pump system — a home appliance that both heats and cools a home.

if you’re reading this in your home or apartment, you’re likely keeping cool with a central split air conditioner, a setup with both exterior and interior parts. once the cold winter days arrive, you might use a gas furnace to keep warm. when you make the switch to a residential heat pump, however, you get a more energy-efficient appliance that pumps and extracts heat from your home to keep it comfortable. it can also save you money — anywhere between $100 to more than $1,000 annually off your utility bill according to energy research group carbon switch — as well as lower your carbon emissions.

as of 2020, americans bought nearly 18 million heat pumps — a 50% increase compared with 2015. and now there’s more funding and

support available to make the switch from separate heating and cooling systems. The inflation reduction act (ira), a $370 billion climate investment signed into law in september 2022, includes the energy efficient home improvement (25c) tax credit for homeowners to install an air source heat pump (ashp).

so if you want to replace your heating and cooling systems, where can you start? here’s what to look for to ensure a successful installation in your own home.

1. Choose a licensed HVAC Contractor

Before you buy just any heat pump, talk to a licensed hvac contractor about what specific options are best for your home. The omaha metro area has numerous reputable, licensed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (hvac) contractors, and heating and cooling replacements are regulated by municipal codes.

in the city of omaha, a $50 permit with final inspection will be required and the installing contractor will need an air conditioning and air distribution (residential) license. The city has adopted and amended the 2018 international residential code which requires heating and cooling equipment be sized in accordance with air conditioning contractors of america (acca) manual s residential equipment selection based on building loads

calculated in accordance with acca manual J.

The manual J residential load calculation takes into account dwelling unit size, orientation, insulation values, amount and type of glazing, infiltration (air leakage) of outside air, distribution (duct) leakage and other factors to determine the necessary capacity of the equipment.

a good contractor will help you find a system that’s the right size for your space — an over-sized system will cause less efficient operations and reduce the lifespan of your equipment.

2. Find the tax credit or program right for you to lower installation costs

Two main programs help lessen the price of a heat pump. The energy efficient home improvement tax credit will help cover 30% of your heat pump costs up to a $2,000 cap per year, according to the irs other upgrades, including $150 toward home energy audits, are capped at $1,200 per year.

additionally, oppd provides a $700 hvac smart rebate, for qualified heat pumps, as well as a favorable residential conservation billing rate.

3. Learn about your home with an energy audit

once you find a contractor and look into programs that will help you with costs, it’s time to learn about your home’s energy consumption needs with a home energy audit. a home energy audit may lead to correcting issues such as insufficient attic insulation or poor duct joints, which in turn will reduce the load calculation and result in cost savings by reduced heat pump equipment sizing. The audit could include a blower door test, a way of measuring the outside air leakage to deter-

This piece is parT of The reader’s climaTe Beacon newsroom iniTiaTive wiTh soluTions Journalism neT work where we are pursuing soluTions-orienTed s Tories aBouT climaTe change in omaha.

Citizens’ Climate lobby omaha

Mark Higgins’ Heat puMp outside His HoMe in oMaHa. Photo courtesy of Mark higgins.

mine how much air is entering or escaping from your home.

Most home energy auditors will be RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network), HERS (Home Energy Rating System) raters, and can be found at www.hersindex.com/find-ahers-rater/

4. Remember Nebraska’s cold climate in your search for the right heat pump

This won’t be a surprise to most Nebraskans but it’s worth mentioning: the Omaha region is cold-climate. That is, over the course of a year we have many more days in which we are heating (outside temp below 65 F) than cooling (outside temp above 65 F). And although it can take care of both heating and cooling, you want your new heat pump to be reliable through the winter, right?

Be sure to look for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR label on the system you choose, including a cold-climate certification mark.

The key feature in a cold-climate heat pump is a variable speed compressor, powered by an inverter, as effective at a frigid 5 degrees Fahrenheit as they are at a mild 47 degrees Fahrenheit. Focus on getting the highest HSPF (heating season performance factor) feasible in Nebraska’s colder climate. The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ration), a measure of cooling efficiency, is also important, but more so for warmer locales.

I suggest people select a heat pump with a demand-defrost control. This will minimize the defrost cycles of the outside coil, thereby reducing heat pump energy use.

5. Educate yourself on changes and upgrades in the years to come

In the Higgins home, we’ve been pleased with the comfort and energy savings even though our heat pump is an older, single stage unit with lesser performance ratings. I will be reviewing the feasibility of an upgrade during the next ten years of the 25C tax credit.

The ACCA (https://www. acca.org/home) has various quality installation and installation verification documents and checklists, as well as acceptable documentation of technician competency. The equipment manufacturer also has installation instructions and standards for contractors. Discussion of testing, verification and balancing procedures with your installing contractor is recommended.

Additional information with helpful graphics can be found in Chapter 3 - Heat Pump Space Heating & Cooling in the Rewiring America “Electrify Everything in Your Home” guidebook.

Download at https://www. rewiringamerica.org/electrifyhome-guide

Do you need your windows and doors to look pristine and get installed the right way the first time? Look no further than the best company serving the Big O and beyond. Whether it’s for your home or business, Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha and Lincoln has spent nearly a century perfecting its products and processes.

Founded in 1925, Pete Kuyper and his wife Lucile took a leap of faith when they momentously invested in a window screen that worked a lot like a roller shade. The couple’s belief in this technology reflects the forward-thinking vision of Pella now just as much as it did a quarter through the 20th century.

Fast-forward to today. Thanks to cutting-edge products, expert installers, and sales representatives who help folks make their selections, Pella is uniquely equipped to serve you and your community’s needs. Because windows and doors should be more than just functional. They should feel right and light up the place.

The number of awards that Pella has stacked up over the years illuminates the bright word-of-mouth praise from generations of clients. And though the Kuypers named the company for their hometown of Pella, Iowa, both Omaha and Lincoln have benefited immeasurably from Pella for over 60 years.

Most recently, Pella became the first window and door manufacturer to get prime real estate in Fast Company’s coveted Most Innovative Design Companies magazine. In 2022, it placed eighth on the list. The year before, the company netted Best Window & Door Product as well as Best In Show at the National Association of Home Builders esteemed International Builders’ Show Awards, and Pella’s Easy-Slide Operator Window Hardware was given high praise.

The local manufacturer has swept the Best of the Big O: Readers’ Choice Living and Home Services

Pella

Part of the evolving relationship that the company has maintained with its customers has much to do with the experience of finding something that not only genuinely works with your home or business but also drastically improves it.

Showrooms are often the first point of contact. With over 200 Pella showrooms in the United States displaying the company’s diverse inventory and 17 manufacturing locations, one extra-special showroom/ manufacturing location, in particular, was created in our own backyard.

In 2020, Pella opened a branch near I-80 and highways 370 and 50 to manage the growing needs of the Omaha and Council Bluffs area. The facility boasts an elegant showroom, plenty of office space, a thoughtful training division, and a massive warehouse spanning over 45,000 square feet. Nearly 20 unique ground-level and dock-height (48-inch) door entrances allow ample room for ramped-up order customization and new installation divisions to prosper.

Not only has this translated into lower buyer costs, but the expansion has also represented a win for the local and national workforce, with over 10,000 people employed as sales representatives and installers. As a reflection of company-wide development opportunities, Forbes awarded Pella with the title of America’s Best-In-State Employer in 2022. That’s right, Pella is an award-winning employer, too.

Few, if any, businesses, let alone window or door manufacturers, can match the processing power, client satisfaction, and job fulfillment of Pella.

Plus, Pella innovates its designs to help communities everywhere defend against extreme weather conditions as much as it does for comfort and aesthetics. Here, unrelenting humidity, torrential winds, and

deep winter freezes require dynamic, reliable units. Having windows and doors that keep you safe and comfortable is vital year-round in the Midwest.

What’s more, not all homes and commercial buildings are created equally. Many buildings are old and require cunning solutions to ventilate, retain heat, and open/close correctly. But despite the climate, whether you are at work or at home, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery out of your Pella window with peace of mind.

Pella experts assess your structure in a no-pressure manner, then help you narrow down a product that will stand the test of time and look gorgeous in your abode or business, such as the Hidden Screen and Easy-Slide Operator.

Set up a free in-person, phone, or virtual consultation at any time. Feel free to call (402) 331-9225 or stop by the new Omaha showroom at 14478 Crest Road. If you are in Lincoln, you can go to the Lincoln Pella Window & Door Showroom at 4822 Pioneers Boulevard (Suite 4) or call (402) 484-5700

At either location, you can find the same high-quality service and one-of-a-kind products.

For more information about Pella Windows & Doors, visit pellabranch.com/omaha

awards in the Best Window Company category for a decade straight.

With Pella Omaha, you get so much more than just gorgeous windows & doors. From modern to historic homes, and every style in between, we have window & door products to match your budget, home design, and goals.

Father Flanagan House - Boys Town 2018 Window Replacement

READERS’ CHOICE

The Readers’ Choice Local is in our DNA!

once again, our loyal readers have spoken. and, as always, we listened.

Service, retail and restaurant culture defines Omaha. They’re your favorite local stores and mom-andpop operations that represent the best of what our city has to offer. And once again we’re honoring the best of the best in our annual Readers Choice Best of the Big O! Awards.

Nominations and final voting: Based entirely on community participation, Omaha businesses are nominated as the best in their category at TheReader.com beginning in January and running through the end of February. Thousands of nominations inform the top nominees in each category who appeared on the final ballot. Final voting ran from March 5 through April 30 with stringent procedures ensuring one-person, onevote. In order to minimize vote-buying, any business caught incentivizing votes with deals or any other offers would be disqualified. An independent accounting firm Hancock & Dana, one of Omaha’s oldest, counts the tens of thousands of final votes to tabulate the awards.

Winners: This list represents what Omaha locals and Reader readers love — businesses that are the best at what they do. With deep thanks to everyone in the community who participated, we congratulate these amazing awardees! so, here are the winners of the 2023 readers Choice Best of the Big o! awards:

Best Professional & HealtH services

Best ChiropraCtiC praCtiCe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O heartland

Chiropractic Clinic

hauser Chiropractic & acupuncture

Readers’ Recommend

Millard Family

Chiropractic & Wellness

Natural Life

Chiropractic

Readers’ Refer

Mack Family

Chiropractic

Becker Chiropractic

Diamond

Chiropractic North

elevate

Chiropractic

hinrichs

Chiropractic

essential Motion:

spine and sport

Martin & schrage

Chiropractic

Blum Chiropractic

Natural spinal solutions

Godfrey

Chiropractic

Nutter Chiropractic

akridge and

akridge Chiropractic Back to the Basics Chiropractic

Best CosMetiC DeNtistry praCtiCe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

New image

Dentistry

Readers’ Choice

premier Dental

Bolding Dentistry

Readers’ Recommend aesthetic & Family Dentistry

Best CosMetiC surGery praCtiCe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

popp Cosmetic surgery pC

Readers’ Choice

ideal image omaha

aesthetic surgical images

Best CouNseLiNG CLiNiC

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

arbor Family Counseling

Readers’ Choice psychiatric services pC

Readers’ Recommend Lifespan

Counseling

Readers’ Refer integrative psychiatry

Center For Mindful Living

omaha integrative Care

Great oaks Counseling Be Kind Counseling your story Matters therapy Group

heartland Family service

Best DeNtist oFFiCe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O summit Dental health

Readers’ Choice

premier Dental

Readers’ Recommend Millard oaks Dental

Bolding Dentistry

innovative Dental Care

Readers’ Refer

Blecha Family Dental ohana smiles

Montclair Dental

Midland’s Dental Group Gretna Family Dentistry

serenity Dental

Family Dentistry of Bellevue Dental Designs inc.

hoover Dental

New image Dentistry

the tooth Doc Dentistry for health

pacific Village Dental

the Dentists at Dundee

Willow Dental

Millard Family Dentistry

West pacific Dental Group

Kennedy Dental

Bel Drive Dental

Michael sesemann

DDs

Best DerMatoLoGy CLiNiC

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Dr. Joel

schlessinger

Readers’ Choice

Dermatology specialists of omaha

Midwest Dermatology

MoD Dermatology

Readers’ Recommend Braddock Finnegan helget Dermatology, p.C.

Best heaLth CLiNiC

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

think Whole person healthcare

Readers’ Choice

Nebraska Medicine

physicians Clinic

oneWorld Community health Centers

Readers’ Refer

Methodist elkhorn Clinic

Best hospitaL

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Nebraska Medicine

Nebraska Medical Center

Readers’ Choice

Methodist hospital

Readers’ Recommend Chi health Lakeside Boys town National research hospital

Chi Bergan Mercy

Readers’ Refer Children’s hospital

Best iN-hoMe Care

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Visiting Nurse association

Readers’ Choice home instead right at home hillcrest Caring Companions

Readers’ Refer Comfort Keepers angels Care home health

Best LasiK CeNter

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

omaha & Lincoln eye and Laser institute

Readers’ Recommend omaha L asiK eye

READERS’ CHOICE

Koenig | Dunne

READERS’ CHOICE - SPONSORED STORY

Koenig | Dunne is ReDefining family law

Surgery Vision Center - LasikPlus

Kugler Vision

Readers’ Refer

Brumm Eye & Laser Vision

BESt Law FirmDiVorCE

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Koenig | Dunne

Readers’ Choice

mcGill Law, P.C., L.L.o.

Readers’ Recommend Husker Law

Readers’ Refer

Nebraska Legal Group

the Law office of David riley

Hightower reff Law

BESt Law FirmDUi

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

olsen Law offices

Readers’ Choice

williams Law LLC

tation or want to learn more about what

Schaefer Shapiro, LLP

Readers’ Recommend Craig martin Law

Dornan Law

Readers’ Refer

Berry Law

Douglas amen

BESt Law FirmPErSoNaL iNjUry

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Hauptman o’Brien wolf & Lathrop, P.C.

Readers’ Choice

inserra l Kelley l Sewell, injury attorneys

Readers’ Refer welsh & welsh PC, LLo

Dyer Law

Pesek Law

BESt LoNG tErm CarE FaCiLity

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Hillcrest Country

Estates Cottages

Readers’ Choice

Brookestone Village

Readers’ Recommend westgate assisted Living

Readers’ Refer maple ridge retirement Community

BESt oB/GyN PraCtiCE

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O methodist women’s Hospital

Readers’ Choice

mid-City oB-GyN

Readers’ Recommend omaha oB-GyN associates

olson Center for women’s Health

Readers’ Refer oneworld Community Health Centers

BESt oPtiC aL StorE

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O midwest Eye Care

Readers’ Choice

malbar Vision Center

advanced Family Eyecare

ViewPointe Vision

Readers’ Refer See + Be Seen

modern Eyes

ilumin

Shopko optical illusion Eyewear

jCPenney optical

mixan Eyecare

BESt oPtomEtriSt PraCtiCE

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

malbar Vision Center

advanced Family Eyecare

Readers’ Choice

Pearle Vision

Readers’ Recommend

View Pointe Vision

illumin

Eye Care west

Readers’ Refer

modern Eyes

Eyecare & Eyewear

Definitive Vision

Eye Consultants

midwest Eye illusion Eyewear

BESt ortHoDoNtiSt oFFiCE

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

igel orthodontics

Readers’ Choice

omaha

orthodontics

Hawley orthodontics

Readers’ Recommend

Huerter

orthodontics

Readers’ Refer

Stafford orthodontics

the tooth Doc

wees & Low orthodontics

Braces omaha olson orthodontics

BESt PEDiatriC oFFiCE

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Children’s Physicians

Readers’ Choice

Boys town Pediatrics

Village Pointe Pediatrics

Readers’ Recommend omaha Childrens Clinic

BESt PHarmaCy

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Kubat HealthCare

Kohll’s Pharmacy

Readers’ Choice

CVS Pharmacy

Readers’ Refer

walgreen’s Elmwood Pharmacy relayCare

PlumbingEyman Heating &

Air

Keep Your Home Functioning Smoothly with Eyman’s HVAC and Plumbing Tips

Know Your AbodE

It’s fair to say that your home is one of the most important resources that you have, and it’s vital that you don’t get caught off guard by air or water malfunctions that may arise over time. The average person may not know much about how to keep a home in functioning order, but thankfully, Eyman is a champion of spreading the word so you can stay in control of your home at all times, whether it’s summer or winter in Nebraska.

And many times, the care that your abode requires is right at your fingertips if you know what to do and where to start. So, how do mechanical systems like your home thermostat (HVAC) and main water shut-off valve (plumbing) work? What are they, and where do you find them?

Many homes nowadays are equipped with an HVAC thermostat: an outdoor HVAC unit (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) connected to an indoor thermostat.

The thermostat is typically a small device with buttons, usually with a screen, found on a wall in a central location in your home, such as a living room or hallway. Some homes have multiple thermostats for more precise temperature control.

The HVAC and thermostat components work together to automatically make your house hotter or colder. Your thermostat measures your home temperature with a built-in sensor, comparing the current indoor climate with your desired preset thermostat “setpoint,” sending electrical or wireless signals to the HVAC unit, and then automatically adjusting the air accordingly using the HVAC. In other words, the temperature will climb or descend to what degree you have the thermostat set to.

But what if your issue is plumbing related?

The main water shut-off valve is a crucial component of your plumbing system. It controls the flow of water into your home, allowing you to

stop the water supply in case of emergencies or when repairs and maintenance are needed.

The main water shut-off valve is usually located where the water supply line enters your home. It is commonly found in basements, crawl spaces, utility rooms, or near the water meter.

There are different types of shut-off valves, including gate valves and ball valves. Gate valves are bidirectional and have handles that turn clockwise or counterclockwise to control water flow. Ball valves, on the other hand, work one way with levers that need to be rotated 90 degrees to open or close.

When the valve is open, water flows freely into your home, allowing normal water usage. Turning the valve to the closed position blocks the water supply, cutting off the flow to your home’s plumbing fixtures.

In case of emergencies, you will want to know the location of your main water shut-off valve. That way, you can quickly turn it off in case of a burst pipe, major leak, or other water-related emergency.

Locating the main water shut-off valve may require creative exploration. The main valve’s whereabouts can vary depending on your home’s design and plumbing layout. If you’re unsure about the location, consult your home’s blueprint or consider contacting a professional Eyman plumber for assistance.

In general, if you have specific questions about your home’s mechanical systems, it’s always best to consult the manuals or seek guidance from professionals who will be familiar with your specific setup.

Because if you need that extra help, Eyman has you covered with in-person and virtual solutions. Since the late 1950s,

Eyman Plumbing, Heating and Air has provided the best service to homes and workplaces throughout the greater Omaha area. The company represents one of our finest local businesses, with four generations of family leadership and an extended team of leading technicians with expert experience and equipment.

If you live in Omaha, Council Bluffs, Bellevue, LaVista, Ralston, Papillion, Millard, Gretna, Elkhorn, Ashland, Plattsmouth, or within 50 miles of the Omaha metro, then an Eyman’s professional would be more than equipped to lend you a hand with any HVAC or plumbing issue.

Check out the online Eyman Resource Center at www. trusteyman.com/resources. Here, you will find useful and digestible videos that can walk you through common issues and questions related to HVAC and plumbing systems with helpful visual animations and to-the-point information.

It may seem daunting at first, but you can prevent mishaps if you know what to look for. With Eyman’s help, you can get to know your home better and be prepared for inconvenient mishaps that come with having a home.

And if you need someone to lend support at the site of the problem, visit trusteyman.com or call (402) 731-2727. Emergency services are available 24-7.

Best pHysic Al/ OccupAtiOnAl

tHerApy

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

makovicka physical therapy

Readers’ Choice

Fyzical therapy & Balance centers

Readers’ Recommend integrated care

Athletico - excel physical therapy

READERS’ CHOICE

innovate physical therapy

Readers’ Refer

summit Health restore physical therapy

innovate rehab and Wellness

Activate physical therapy

Best pODiAtrist

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Foot and Ankle specialists

Readers’ Choice the Foot and Ankle clinic

Readers’ Recommend mid plains podiatry Foot and Ankle center of ne/iA Family Foot care

Best VeterinAry clinic

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

ralston Vet

Readers’ Choice

Heartland pet Hospital

gentle Doctor Animal Hospital

Readers’ Recommend

American Animal Hospital

Readers’ Refer rockbrook Animal clinic

Vc A Animal

Hospital

skyline Vet clinic

Best care pet Hospital

Westgate Animal clinic

northwest Animal Hospital

Val Verde Animal Hospital

loveland Animal Hospital

millard Veterinary clinics

goodrich

BEST LIVING & HOME SErVIcES

Best ApArtments

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Vivere

Broadmoor Hills

Readers’ Recommend

ravello 192

meadows park

Brentwood park

Antler View

embassy park

Best AppliAnce repAir

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O serviceOne

Readers’ Choice

Hometown Hero

Andy’s Appliance repair & parts

House

Readers’ Refer technician today

All Appliance service

Husker Home Appliance

Best cArpet cleAning

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Done right carpet cleaning Omaha

Readers’ Choice

Air Force One

carpet cleaning

refresh carpet cleaning Omaha

mysteree machine

Readers’ Recommend Big red’s

guaranteed clean

Zerorez

sharp carpet & Air Duct cleaning

Action Flooring & carpet cleaning

Oxi Fresh carpet cleaning

Best carpet cleaning & restoration

Best cOncrete cOmpAny

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

modern concrete

Readers’ Choice

Hauptman concrete construction

thrasher Foundation

repair

custom concrete Designs

Hello garage

Hardscapes of Omaha

concrete craft of Omaha

Hassenstab concrete inc.

Best custOm cABinetry

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Fox custom cabinets

Readers’ Choice t itan custom cabinets ed grace

Woodworking & cabinetry

Readers’ Recommend WoodArt llc eurowood cabinets t&t custom cabinets

Best custOm HOme BuilDer

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Denali custom Homes

Readers’ Choice

castle Brook Builders of Omaha

silverthorn custom Homes

tackett company

mercury Builders

Best DrAin cleAning cOmpAny

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

major Drain

Readers’ Choice

eyman plumbing

Heating & Air

Readers’ Recommend two men and a snake

Readers’ Refer Omaha Drain Drain Daddy

Best Duct cleAning cOmpAny

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Affordable Air Duct cleaning

Readers’ Choice maxim cleaning & restoration

sharp carpet & Air Duct cleaning

Duct Defense

midwest

Best electriciAn cOmpAny

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O miller electric

Readers’ Choice

premier electric serviceOne

Readers’ Recommend electricians inc

Readers’ Refer

cK electric

Veterinary the pet clinic

papillion Animal Hospital

green Acres Animal clinic

Banfield pet Hospital

lone tree Animal care center

electric company of Omaha

Best Fence cOmpAny

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

s & W Fence

Readers’ Choice

American Fence company Omaha

Bender Ornamental

Readers’ Recommend trevor Houser Fencing

monarch Fence

Best FlOOr stOre

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

David Wood Floors

Readers’ Choice

nebraska Furniture mart

the Floor club

midwest Floor covering

Readers’ Refer

Hello garage

Best FOunDAtiOn/ BAsement repAir

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

thrasher Foundation repair

Readers’ Choice

groundworks

Jerry’s Waterproofing

Readers’ Refer

BDB Waterproofing

All Hands Waterproofing

Best Furniture stOre

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

nebraska Furniture mart

Readers’ Recommend niche

posh peacock consignment Furniture

Found Vintage market

Hutch

Readers’ Refer roger + chris

7 Day Furniture and mattress store

Best gArAge

DOOr cOmpAny

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Overhead Door company Of Omaha

Omaha Door & Window

Readers’ Choice norm’s Door

Service

Garage Door Services

Readers’ Refer

Premier Garage

Door Solutions

Precision Garage Door Service of Omaha

BeSt GarDen

Center/nurSery

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Mulhall’s

Readers’ Choice

Lanoha nurseries

Readers’ Recommend

Canoyer Garden Center

Indian Creek nursery

Readers’ Refer

Cirian’s Farmers Market

Drips Botanical elements

Benson Plant rescue

BeSt Gutter InStaLL/rePaIr COMPany

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Shamrock roofing and Construction

Omaha Gutter Company

Readers’ Choice

Home Pride

Contractors

BeSt HanDyMan ServICe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Omaha Handyman

Service

Readers’ Choice

always Dependable Handyman

Service

ace Handyman Services

Readers’ Recommend

Handyman

Connection of West Omaha

READERS’ CHOICE

BeSt HeatInG & a/C COMPany

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

eyman Plumbing Heating & air

SOS Heating and Cooling

Readers’ Choice

Standard Heating & air Conditioning

Readers’ Recommend

Fred’s Heating and air

Readers’ Refer

Smart Choice

Moore Services

D&K Heating & air

Solutions Heating and air

Caniglia Heating & Cooling

Getzschman

Heating

Got your Six HvaC

BeSt HOMe reMODeLer

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Halo Construction & remodeling

Readers’ Choice

Denali Custom Homes

Cornerstone remodeling

Readers’ Recommend

Omaha

Construction Company

Oldenhuis

Contracting

Stormberg

Construction

D & e Custom Building and Design

HC remodel & Design

BeSt HOMe WInDOW COMPany

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Pella Windows & Doors

Readers’ Choice

Window Innovations

Omaha Door & Window

Readers’ Recommend renewal by andersen

BeSt HOuSe CLeanInG ServICe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew

Readers’ Choice

COIt Cleaning and restoration

Readers’ Recommend Cano Complete Cleaning

Mint Fresh Cleaning Services

y not Clean

Grace Home Cleaning Maids and More

BeSt KItCHenWare StOre

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O HomeGoods

Readers’ Choice

Sur La table

Bed Bath & Beyond

William Sonoma

Readers’ Recommend the Container Store

Readers’ Refer asian Market

BeSt LanDSC aPInG COMPany

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Sun valley

Landscaping

Readers’ Choice

Diamond Cut Lawns

Readers’ Recommend

Patera Landscaping

Kinghorn Gardens antler Countryelkhorn

tMG enterprises

aJ’s Landscaping

Ground Builders

BeSt LaWn ServICe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O ecoScapes Lawn Care

Readers’ Choice

Pat’s Irish Green Lawn Service

Diamond Cut Lawns

Readers’ Recommend

M’s Lawncare

Swift Green Lawn Care

Brothers2Brothers Mowing & More

Heartland Lawns

BeSt MOvInG COMPany

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Somebody With a truck

Readers’ Choice

Firefighters On the Move two Men and a truck

Readers’ Refer

Second to none Movers

Chieftain van Lines Moving Made Smooth

BeSt PaIntInG COMPany

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O the Painting Company

Readers’ Recommend ultimate Painting

Readers’ Refer Brush & roll Painting

Legacy Painting & Drywall

Sean ross Painting

BeSt PeSt COntrOL

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Plunkett’s Pest Control

Readers’ Choice Quality Pest

Control

Cody Pest Management

Readers’ Recommend

rove Pest Control

Lien termite and Pest Control Company

Readers’ Refer affordable Pest Control

BeSt Pet GrOOMInG

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Bellevue Pet adventures

Readers’ Recommend

ashley’s Pet Spa

Downtown Hound the Barking Beautician

Dogtopia

Readers’ Refer Woof and Whiskers

Club Meow

Gretna Groom and Stay emma at Petco

BeSt PLuMBInG COMPany

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O eyman Plumbing Heating & air

Readers’ Choice

In-Law Plumbing & Drain Services, Inc

ServiceOne

Readers’ Recommend aksarben arS

Heating, air

Conditioning & Plumbing

Readers’ Refer

Burton aC Heating Plumbing and More

Jeff Mumm

Plumbing

Major Drain

Impala Plumbing

BeSt POOL & SPa COMPany

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O new Wave Pool and

Spa

Readers’ Choice

Platinum Pools

Continental Pool & Spa Inc

Classic Pool & Spa

Readers’ Refer relax Pools

Splash Pools & Spas

Bell Pool & Patio

BeSt rOOFInG COMPany

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Drey roofing

Readers’ Recommend McKinnis roofing & Sheet Metal

McCoy roofing

Pyramid roofing royalty roofing and renovations

Innovative roofing

Home Pride Contractors

Readers’ Refer White Castle roofing

CSF exteriors

artisan roofing Inc

F/S Contracting

1-800-HanSOnS

Husker Hammer Siding, Windows & roofing

BeSt tree ServICe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O torpy tree Service

Readers’ Choice arbor aesthetics tree Service

terry Hughes tree Service

Litke tree Service

Readers’ Recommend Felix’s tree and Landscaping, LLC

Readers’ Refer the tree Surgeon vinny’s tree Service

Monster tree Service

rivera’s tree Service

Best Auto Body shop

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O dingman’s Collision Center

Readers’ Choice

don & Ron’s Carstar Collision Center

hallett Auto Body

Readers’ Recommend

West omaha Auto service

Readers’ Refer

John’s Body Co

B street Collision Center

dave’s Auto Body

A-1 Body Inc

Gateway Auto

Best Auto deAleR seRvICe shop

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Baxter subaru

Readers’ Choice

Woodhouse

Chevrolet

Readers’ Recommend superior honda of omaha

Beardmore subaru

Readers’ Refer lexus of omaha

READERS’ CHOICE

BEST GETTING AROUND

Acura of omaha

Gregg young Chevrolet, Inc.

Best Auto deAleRshIp GRoup

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Beardmore Chevrolet subaru

Readers’ Choice

Baxter Auto Group

Woodhouse h & h Auto

Readers’ Refer

lexus of omaha

Best Auto RepAIR shop

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Jensen t ire & Auto

omaha Car Care

Readers’ Choice

lantz Brothers services Center

Auto specialists Inc

Readers’ Recommend

Gene’s Auto & truck

Readers’ Refer

Gateway Auto Auto-Craft toyo techs havers Auto

Brakes plus

Guaranteed Brakes

Best BIke shop

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Greenstreet Cycles

Readers’ Choice

Community Bike project omaha

Readers’ Recommend omaha Bicycle Company

Readers’ Refer endless trail

Best BRAke seRvICe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Brakes plus lantz Brothers

Readers’ Choice house of Mufflers & Brakes total Car Care

Readers’ Recommend Jensen t ire & Auto

Midas

Guaranteed Brakes

Best C AR WAsh

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Russell speeder’s Car Wash

Readers’ Choice

tommy’s express Car Wash

Rocket Carwash

Cornhusker Auto Wash

Club Car Wash

Readers’ Refer tornado Wash

Best GAs stAtIon/ ConvenIenCe stoRe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Casey’s General store

Readers’ Choice

Quiktrip

Readers’ Recommend

Anderson

Convenience Market & Anderson Auto

kum & Go

Readers’ Refer kwik shop Inc. tobacco and phones 4 less

Best luxuRy Auto deAleR

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O onyx Automotive

Readers’ Choice

lexus of omaha

InFInItI of omaha

Readers’ Recommend

Audi omaha

Woodhouse Cadillac

Best MuFFleR & exhAust seRvICe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Brakes plus

Readers’ Choice

lantz Brothers

All-pro Muffler & Brake

Readers’ Recommend

Ace Mufflers and Brakes

Best neW Auto deAleR

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Baxter Chrysler dodge Jeep Ram

superior honda of omaha

Readers’ Choice

lexus of omaha

Readers’ Recommend

Baxter subaru

Readers’ Refer

Woodhouse Mazda

Beardmore

Chevroletsubaru-hyundai

Woodhouse

Chevrolet

Best oIl ChAnGe shop

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Brakes plus

Readers’ Choice

t ires plus

lantz Brothers

Grease Monkey

tuffy Auto service

Readers’ Recommend

Midas

Guaranteed Brakes

homan’s Auto

Readers’ Recommend Jiffy lube

Best tIRe seRvICe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O discount t ire store

Readers’ Choice

Marion t ire pros

tommy’s t ires & Custom Wheels

Midwest t ire Company, Inc.

Readers’ Recommend omaha Casing

Readers’ Refer Costco

lyle’s discount t ire

Best touRIst AttRACtIons

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Fontenelle Forest

Readers’ Choice

henry doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Readers’ Recommend

Gene leahy Mall

Readers’ Refer Bob kerrey Bridge old Market

lauritzen Gardens

Best toWInG seRvICe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

AAA

Readers’ Choice

Arrow towing

heartland towing & Recovery

Readers’ Refer 3 B’s towing

Gretna towing

READERS’ CHOICE

BEST DINING

Best Bagel shop

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Bagel Bin

Readers’ Choice

Bruegger’s Bagels

panera Bread

Readers’ Refer

angie’s Bagels

Best Bakery

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

sweet Magnolias

Bake shop

Readers’ Choice

Buttered

Marshmallow

pettit’s pastry

Readers’ Recommend the omaha Bakery

WheatFields eatery & Bakery

the Cake gallery

lithuanian Bakery

Jones Bros.

Cupcakes

Readers’ Refer

grand patisserie

Dunkin’ Donuts

olsen Bake shop

International Bakery

Conscious Comforts

square Donut

Black sheep Coffee

Dave’s Cakes

le Quartier Bakery & Café

summer kitchen

Café and Bakery

the Bubbly tart

taste of heaven

Mobile restaurant

hardy Coffee Co.

Bakery

the Cake

rendezvous

Cake specialist

great harvest

Bread Company

CupCake! omaha

Best BBQ restaurant

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

porky Butts BBQ

Readers’ Choice

hartland Bar-B-Que

swine Dining BBQ

Readers’ Recommend

Famous Dave’s BarB-Que

Dickey’s Barbecue pit

Boxer Barbeque

Readers’ Refer

ray’s original

Buffalo Wings

pulled BBQ omaha

oklahoma Joe’s BBQ

rib shack

Jim’s rib haven

hog Wild BBQ

hawk’s BBQ

smokin’ Barrel BBQ

J’s smokehouse

We’ll smoke you BBQ

smoking Barrel BBQ

It’s Just Wings

taste of heaven

Mobile restaurant

sauce Bosses BBQ

402 BBQ

Best BreakFast JoInt

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

First Watch

Readers’ Choice

saddle Creek Breakfast Club

lisa’s radial Café

Vidlak’s Brookside Café

Readers’ Recommend

early Bird

louie M’s Burger lust

Readers’ Refer the special restaurant

sunnyside on Center

Jimbo’s Diner

Billy J’s Café

shirley’s Diner

okyDoky Diner and lounge

Bailey’s Breakfast & lunch

le peep

Farmhouse Café & Bakery

summer kitchen Café

Village Inn

taste of heaven

Mobile restaurant

harold’s koffee house

aJ’s Café

Denny’s lola’s

Jimmy’s egg

good lookin’

taxi’s Bar and grill

nite hawkes Cafe

Joe’s Café

Best BrunCh spot

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

saddle Creek Breakfast Club

Bailey’s Breakfast & lunch

Readers’ Choice

shirley’s Diner

Readers’ Recommend

Jam’s old Market

Readers’ Refer upstream Brewing Company

Jimbo’s Diner

tavern 180

le Voltaire French restaurant good lookin’

Fizzy’s

Beacon hills in aksarben Village stokes

good lookin’

Farmhouse Café

herbe sainte

Mantra Bar & grille

Crisp and green

early Bird

First Watch

summer kitchen Café

taste of heaven

Mobile restaurant

taxi’s Bar and grill

the rusty nail

the Corner kick

Cantina

Brookside Café

le peep know good

Best BuFFet

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O huhot Mongolian grill

Readers’ Choice

China Buffet

Valentino’s pizza ranch

Readers’ Recommend ameristar heritage

Buffet

Readers’ Refer texas de Brazil

Best Burger JoInt

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Dinker’s Bar and grill

Readers’ Choice

stella’s Bar & grill

Readers’ Recommend smitty’s garage

Burgers and Beer

Charred Burger + Bar

Winchester Bar & grill

Don & Millie’s louie M’s Burger

lust

Readers’ Refer goldberg’s In Dundee

Barrett’s Barleycorn pub & grill

the good life sports Bar & grill

Best Burger omaha

Jimbo’s Diner

omaha tap house

Bronco’s

Block 16

Benson Brewery

Finicky Frank’s

sickie’s Burgers

Burger theory @ holiday Inn

Downtown

paddy Mcgown’s o’leaver’s pub

Industrial Bar & grill

Best CaFé/DIner

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

shirley’s Diner

lisa’s radial Café

Readers’ Choice

le peep omaha

harold’s koffee house

Readers’ Recommend

Jimbo’s Diner

Readers’ Refer

aJ’s Café

Vidlak’s Brookside Café

Bailey’s Farmhouse Café

the special restaurant

nite hawkes Cafe

okyDoky Diner and lounge

henry’s Diner

la Buvette

Joe’s Café

Jojo’s Diner

Best CaterIng CoMpany

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

a Catered affair

Readers’ Choice

abraham Catering

eddie’s Catering

global gatherings

Readers’ Recommend

Catering Creations

the Corner kick

Cantina

Readers’ Refer

taste of heaven

Mobile restaurant

Mangia Italiana

Boxer BBQ

hawk’s BBQ

heirloom Fine Foods

Best ChICken JoInt

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

alpine Inn

Readers’ Choice

t ime out Foods

Jimbo’s Diner

Dirty Birds

Catfish lake at the lodge

Readers’ Refer

Bronco’s taste of heaven

Mobile restaurant

Cane’s Church’s

Finicky Frank’s Valentino’s

Dave’s hot Chicken

Best ChInese restaurant

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O three happiness express

Readers’ Choice

China Buffet

golden Bowl

Chinese restaurant

Readers’ Recommend hunan palace

Crystal Jade restaurant

gold Mountain restaurant

Dragon Wok

pan asian terrace

Readers’ Refer

Rice Bowl

Han’s Golden Dragon

Jade Garden

Ming’s

Panda House

Downtown

Blue and Fly

Chopstick House

Rose Garden

Taipei

BoBo China

Imperial Palace

Great Wall Elkhorn

Hunan Fusion

Golden Palace

China Palace

JJ China

Ling’s Chinese

China Wok

Jade Palace

Hong Hing

BEsT CoFFEEsHoP

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

scooter’s Coffee

Readers’ Choice

Zen Coffee Company

Archetype Coffee

stories Coffee Company

Readers’ Recommend

Karma Koffee

Dundee Double shot Coffee

Readers’ Refer

The Edge of the Universe

Blue Line Coffee

Bruegger’s Bagels

Roast

Hardy Coffee

The Mill

The Beanery

Black sheep

Lucy’s Ethiopian Coffee

Amateur Coffee

Black sheep Coffee

Urban Alley

Dunkin Donuts

Village Grinder Coffee shop

13th street Coffee

Jo-on-the-Go

BEsT DoUGHnUT sHoP

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Pettit’s Pastry

Readers’ Choice

Hurts Donut Co.

olsen Bake shop

LaMar’s Donuts

square Donut

Readers’ Recommend

sunrise Donuts

Dunkin Donuts

Readers’ Refer

International Bakery

Winchell’s sugared Ledge

Bakery

Krispy Kreme

BEsT DRIVE-THRU REsTAURAnT

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Runza Restaurant

Readers’ Choice

Don & Millie’s

Bronco’s

Readers’ Recommend

Panera Bread

Readers’ Refer

Taco Bell

Curry in a Hurry

Raising Canes

Chick Fil-A

Albelardos

Chipotle

Time out

King Kong

BEsT FAL AFEL REsTAURAnT

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob

Readers’ Choice

El Basha

Mediterranean Grill

Ahmad’s Persian Cuisine

Readers’ Refer

Legacy Gyros

BEsT FooD TRUCK

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

El Churro spot / The Churro Truck

Readers’ Choice

402 BBQ

The Cheese Life

Taste of Heaven

Mobile Restaurant

Readers’ Refer

Ala Reyna Taco Truck

Izzy’s Pizza Bus

La Casa Pizzaria

Zaytuna

Mediterranean

Javi’s Tacos

Carousel’s soft serve Icery

Tacos el Carnal

Burning Bridges

Food Truck

La Morenita

sauce Bosses BBQ

Wonton Jon’s

Taqueria El Rey

For the Love of Food Truck

Modern Waffle

Three Kids Lobster

noLA Food Truck..

Taste of noLA

Pulled BBQ omaha

Mexitli

BEsT FREnCH REsTAURAnT

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

La Buvette Wine & Grocery

Readers’ Choice

Le Voltaire French Restaurant

V.Mertz

Le Bouillon

BEsT GREEK REsTAURAnT

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Greek Islands

Restaurant

Readers’ Choice

Jim & Jennie’s Greek Village

John’s Grecian Delight

King Kong

Readers’ Refer

Fovero! Greek & Homestyle

Kitchen

Legacy Gyros

Feta’s Greek Restuarant

The homy inn

Omaha’s Old-FashiOned neighbOrhOOd dive bar

Homy Inn has been a family business since opening in 1956, proudly serving all walks of life for nearly seven decades.

The bar champions being an inclusive place where you can kick back, feel safe, have a good time, and afford to drink — whether it’s one of 20 rotating local beers, champagne on tap, or one of 30 whiskeys from the shelf.

Many out-of-towners make it a point to learn why Homy Inn has earned mention in Esquire magazine’s Top 50 Bars and

won several Omaha awards for Best Dive Bar and Best Neighborhood Bar.

Thanks to its atmosphere and vintage memorabilia, Homy Inn has served as the location for the local indie flick “The Bishop,” a Hulu documentary in production, and several local music videos.

According to owner Terry Finkle, who bought the bar from his father Maynard in 1985, “The place is dripping with history.” Stop by 1510 N. Saddle Creek Rd. to see why the Homy Inn legacy is timeless.

VisitingAssociationNurse

127 YeArs of the VisitiNg Nurse AssociAtioN

The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) has been a core part of Omaha’s history and health for 127 years.

VNA was founded in 1896 by 27-year-old Anna Millard Rogers, who, as the daughter of then-Omaha Mayor Ezra Millard, sought to do something meaningful with the privilege she was afforded.

The organization has helped serve marginalized people lacking fundamental access to healthcare, as well as the wider community during every major health crisis in America — from polio to COVID-19 — and every major Midwest natural disaster in between, including massive tornadoes and fires.

The core of what VNA does revolves around serving uninsured people who live in poverty at no cost. As interim CEO and Chief Philanthropy Officer Carole Patrick says, “We provide healthcare and supportive services wherever they call home.”

Patrick and her small but mighty team are responsible for raising $8 million annually to support vital community programs.

VNA partners with the community, including Community Alliance, Siena Francis House, Stephen Center, Open Door Mission, and Micah House. VNA was also the original partner with United Way.

As a benefit of going to the patients — whether they are on the streets or living in homeless shelters,

apartments, multi-generational homes, or the same house for decades — VNA allows these people to stay independent and lets nurses know how patients are living so they can receive the best individualized assistance possible and get back on their feet.

As Patrick said, “We don’t require payment for our services. We do not deny service to people who need us, we go where others don’t, we serve who others won’t, and we see what other people don’t see.”

If you or someone you know requires healthcare, education, or supportive services brought to them, call (402) 930-4000 or visit vnatoday.org

Everyone deserves the best care

Last

READERS’ CHOICE

Best steak House

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O the Drover

Readers’ Choice

Brother sebastian’s steakhouse

texas Roadhouse

Mahogany Prime steakhouse

Readers’ Recommend

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Johnny’s Café

Readers’ Refer

J. Gilbert’s

Fleming’s 801 Chophouse outback

Gorat’s Farmer Brown’s the outback steakhouse

Charleston’s

Round the Bend

saltgrass steak House

sullivan’s

Cascio’s

Johnny’s Italian steakhouse

Longhorn

Jerico’s

Best susHI RestauRant

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Blue sushi sake Grill

Readers’ Choice

Yoshitomo

Hiro 88

umami asian Cuisine

Readers’ Refer

tokyo sushi

sakura Bana

Yamato sushi train & Grill

Ponzu sushi & Grill

Foxy sushi

Isla del Mar

ahi sushi Ramen & Grill

koji

Best sWeets sHoP

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Hollywood Candy

Readers’ Choice

Lithuanian Bakery

Jones Bros

Cupcakes

old Market Candy shop

the Cordial Cherry

Readers’ Refer

Countryside Cones

sweet Magnolias

Chocolaterie stam

Chocolate abeille

Zen Coffee

Veg.edible

Dave’s Cakes edge of the universe Le Quartier

Best taCo sHoP

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Javi’s tacos

Readers’ Refer the Corner kick Cantina

the Churro spot el alambre

Lil’ Burro

taco Co.

ala Reyna taco truck

Mula

Maximo’s Cantina

trini’s

D’Leon’s Rusty taco

California taco

Fernando’s

Bomb taco

Romeo’s Mexican Food & Pizza

GI Forum

estila Jalisco

Hook and Lime

Jonsey’s taco House

the Hoppy taco

Los Portales

Romeo’s

Mas Chingon

Best take out

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Hartland Bar-B-Que

Readers’ Choice

Lil’ Burro

Winchester Bar & Grill

Readers’ Recommend

Paddy McGown’s Dinker’s

John’s Grecian Delight

el Churro spot

three Happiness express

abelardo’s Mexican Fresh

Cheeseburgers a take out Joint

Mama’s Pizza

Best tex-Mex

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

La Mesa Mexican Restaurant

Readers’ Choice

Romeo’s Mexican Food & Pizza

Roja Mexican Grill

trini’s Mexican Restaurant

Readers’ Recommend

Lil’ Burro

Readers’ Refer the Corner kick

Cantina

Mula

Fernando’s el’ Bees

GI Forum

Hector’s Howard’s azteca

Jonsey’s taco House

Readers’ Recommend

thai Pepper

Pla too thai

Bangkok kitchen

Readers’ Refer

Mercy thai

thai spice

khao niao

taste of thailand

thai orchid

Rice noodle thai

thai esarn

Laos thai

thai kitchen

sweet Rice thai

Best VeGetaRIan RestauRant

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Modern Love

Readers’ Choice

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant

Readers’ Refer

Fauxmaha

Veg.edible nite owl

Foodies

Curry in a Hurry kitchen table

Best WInG RestauRant

Readers’ Refer BigWay Chicken & Catfish

the Corner kick

Cantina tracks Lounge

Big Red Restaurant and sports Bar / Big Red keno

Wingstop

the salty Dog

everett’s Lighthouse

Crescent Moon

tanner’s

Cunningham’s

Good Life sports

Bar & Grill

Caddy shackBlondo

Wing stop

Double Zero

Pizzeria

Jukes ale Works starsky’s Bar Grill

Best LoC aLLY souRCeD RestauRant

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Block 16

Readers’ Choice

Modern Love

Readers’ Recommend au Courant Le Bouillon

Readers’ Choice

Maria’s Mexican Restaurant

Voodoo taco

taqueria el Rey

Readers’ Recommend taqueria t ijuana

abelardo’s Mexican Fresh

o’Leaver’s kitchen

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Readers’ Refer the Corner kick

Block 16

Rathskeller Bier Haus

oscar’s take out Biaggi’s Ristorante

Italiano

the Blind Pig

Best tHaI RestauRant

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

salween thai Restaurant

Readers’ Choice

Mai thai Restaurant

Best Nightlife & Play

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Beercade

Readers’ Choice

edge of the universe Winchester Bar & Grill

Readers’ Recommend Flying t imber axe throwing

the Down under Lounge Mr. toad’s the Village Bar

Readers’ Refer the Corner kick Cantina

oscar’s Pizza & sports Grille

Readers’ Choice

Ray’s original Buffalo Wings

DJ’s Dugout sports Bar

Readers’ Recommend smitty’s Garage

o’Leaver’s Pub

Readers’ Refer the Blind Pig edge of the universe Gather Best BaR FoR an InteRnet Date

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Crescent Moon

Readers’ Choice

Beercade omaha tap House

Beertopia

Readers’ Recommend krug Park

Jukes ale Works

Vis Major Readers’ Refer Rathskeller Bier Haus

The churro spot

READERS’ CHOICE - SPONSORED STORY

Omaha FOOd Truck and resTauranT exTraOrdinaire!

Founded and owned by Omar Garrido, The Churro Spot opened as a food truck in April 2016.

Garrido, from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, got the idea to open The Churro Spot after traveling to Juarez, Mexico, in 2015. There, he saw the churro stand in a mall packed with Americans lining up to snack and correctly figured that Omaha needed its own churro powerhouse.

In those early days, Garrido, who comes from a long lineage of hard-working, food-service employees, worked 90-hour weeks, running The Churro Spot part time in the nights after working days at his full-time job. Alongside his wife at the time, Hannah Garrido, and their daughter, 13-year-old Mariah Garrido, the family got the company rolling.

The Churro Spot’s appeal was quickly apparent — even more so after participating in the Nebraska Food

Truck Wars in Plattsmouth, where the business won second place out of 35 participants.

The business was spotlighted on Channel 7 News for its homemade horchata, flying off the shelves at 10 local Hy-Vees and referred to as liquid gold. It offered much-needed joy to the people of Omaha during the peak of the pandemic.

Fueled by the success of the food truck, The Churro Spot opened a sister restaurant in February 2022 to accommodate demand.

Although not a typical Mexican restaurant, The Churro Spot creates delicious tacos, tortas, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, churros, and more.

The Churro Spot makes some of the best carne asada tacos in town — hand-made and seasoned with love — in addition to acclaimed fish, al pastor, chicken, cachete, carnitas, and sweet potato tacos.

The Churro Spot offers traditional cinnamon sugar, Bavarian cream, Oreo-flavored, carjeta, and raspberry churros. The business is also beloved for its elote and corn-in-a-cup dishes.

Garrido and crew pride themselves on providing quality for their loyal fanbase, and they have their sights set on many more years of serving delicious meals and snacks to Omaha.

If you have a hankering for out-of-this-world, authentic Mexican food, visit The Churro Spot at 1319 S. 50th St. off of 50th and Saddle Creek, or call (531) 999-1795

the company from founder Roger Lantz

Greenlight Natural Omaha’s Premiere sOurce Of hiGh-Quality, leGal thc

Chris Potratz opened Greenlight Natural in 2019, a boutique cannabis dispensary providing high-quality, legal flower and gummies, as well as a comfortable, knowledgeable atmosphere.

After the passage of the federal Farm Bill in 2018, the production of products made from hemp became legal. This opened the door for selling CBD and THC products on a national level, so long as the THC doesn’t have more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight.

At first, Greenlight Natural exclusively sold CBD products — such as creams and oils — that are primarily used for pain, inflammation, and sleep, not for recreational use (CBD doesn’t provide the psychoactive effects associated with THC, also known as marijuana).

READERS’

And while some met the dispensaries with a great amount of skepticism, others in Omaha quickly got on board because they understood the benefits.

Today, Greenlight Natural primarily sells psychoactive THC products rather than CBD. People partake in smoking THC for a variety of recreational, creative, and medical reasons.

For example, many people who have cancer and may be going through chemotherapy use THC because it offers a combination of physical and mental relief — and they no longer have to risk arrest to achieve it.

In this way, Greenlight Natural offers a net-positive avenue for people who want to smoke or eat THC without navigating illegal activity, or driving to neighboring states where weed is legal.

As Potratz said, “There is categorically no difference between what we sell and what is grown and sold in Colorado.”

In addition to selling authentic, high-quality Delta 8 and Delta 9 products, Potratz and the Greenlight Natural crew provide honest awareness surrounding THC, which has faced over a century of disinformation.

“We have to be able to normalize cannabis and show people that it’s just as common as having a beer with your family at a restaurant,” Potratz said.

Greenlight Natural works with extractors and listens to your needs to provide the best flower and edibles possible. Stop seven days a week at 6112 Military Ave, call (402) 670-8429, or visit www. greenlightnatural.com

The Escape Omaha House of Conundrum

Readers’ Refer

The Cryptic Room

Industrial Escape Rooms

BEsT Happy HOuR BaR

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Blue sushi sake Grill

Readers’ Choice

Kona Grill

Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge

Readers’ Recommend

Winchester Bar & Grill

Readers’ Refer

O’Leaver’s pub

Charlie’s on the Lake

Rathskeller Bier Haus

The Corner Kick Cantina

WestEnd

The Down under Lounge

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Nite Owl

BEsT KaRaOKE BaR

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Winchester Bar & Grill

Readers’ Choice

The Cabin Bar & Grill

Renos Karaoke

READERS’ CHOICE

Readers’ Recommend

The Down under Lounge

Dog House

Readers’ Refer

Karaoke Kruzin

Moe and Curleys

Nifty Bar

FullHouse

BEsT MOvIE THEaTER

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Marcus Majestic Cinema of Omaha

Readers’ Choice

aksarben Cinema

Film streams’

Dundee Theater

Readers’ Recommend

aMC Oakview plaza

24

Readers’ Refer

alamo Drafthouse

Lavista

aCX Theatre 10

B&B Theater

alamo Drafthouse papillon

BEsT NEIGHBORHOOD TavERN

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

The Homy Inn

Readers’ Choice

Nifty Bar

Winchester Bar & Grill

Readers’ Recommend O’Leaver’s pub

Readers’ Refer

The Down under Lounge

Harold’s Bar

vis Major

The Corner Kick Cantina

Dinker’s south Omaha’s Finest Tequila Garage

Rathskeller’s Bier Haus

The Interlude

Leavenworth Bar

Moe & Curly’s pub

Keystone Tavern

Bull and Bear

Donahue’s Observatory

BEsT NEW BaR

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

The Bull Moose

Readers’ Choice Cumbia Bar 39

Readers’ Refer The Weekend

anna’s place

Rudy’s Bar

BEsT paTIO aT a BaR

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Mr. Toad’s

Readers’ Choice

1912 Benson

Winchester Bar & Grill

O’Leaver’s pub

Readers’ Recommend

Charlie’s on the Lake

Readers’ Refer

Rose & Crown pub

Krug park

stokin’ Goat

WestEnd

The Corner Kick Cantina

Rathskeller Bier Haus

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Brokedown palace

Juke’s ale House

Barchen Beer Garden

Tiny House

BEsT RETaIL WINE sELECTION

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

La Buvette Wine & Grocery

Corkscrew Wine & Cheese

Readers’ Choice

Trader Joe’s

Whole Foods Market

Readers’ Recommend vino Mas

Readers’ Refer spirit World Eleven 11 Costco Wall to Wall Wine & spirits

BEsT saND vOLLEyBaLL

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Winchester Bar & Grill

Readers’ Choice

O’Leaver’s pub

Readers’ Recommend

The Mark

Barrett’s Barleycorn

Readers’ Refer

Maloney’s Irish pub

Big Red Restaurant and sports Bar / Big Red Keno

sinnott’s sand Bar

BEsT spORT s BaR

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

DJ’s Dugout sports Bar

Readers’ Choice

Oscar’s pizza and Wings

addy’s sports Bar & Grill

Readers’ Recommend

paddy McGown

The Corner Kick Cantina

Tanner’s

Readers’ Refer Good Life sports

Bar & Grill

Barchen Beer Garden

BEsT THROWING aXE pL aCE

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Flying Timber axe

Throwing

Readers’ Choice

Craft axe Throwing

Readers’ Recommend axe Games axe

BEST PErSonal SHoPPInG anD SErvIcES

BEsT BaNK

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

First National Bank of Omaha

Readers’ Choice

american National Bank

Readers’ Recommend Dundee Bank

u.s. Bank

Wells Fargo Readers’ Refer access Bank

Citizens state Bank security National Bank

pinnacle Bank Bank of the West american Interstate Bank

BEsT BaRBERsHOp

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

The Beard & Mane papillion Barbers

Readers’ Choice southside Barbers

Rockbrook village Barber shop

Readers’ Recommend Lady Jane’s Haircuts for Men

Throwing

BEsT TOuRIsT aTTRaCTIONs

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and aquarium

Readers’ Choice

The Old Market

Readers’ Refer Malcolm X Memorial Birthsite

Lauritzen Gardens Werner park

BEsT WINE sHOp

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O spirit World

Readers’ Choice

La Buvette Wine & Grocery

Corkscrew Wine & Cheese

Twisted vine

Readers’ Refer Winestyles

Beer, Wine, spirits

Eleven Eleven Main street Cellar

Readers’ Refer Maple st Barbers

BF Goodhair ascension alliance

Barbershop

Lavista Barbers

BEsT BEauT y saLON

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

The Copper pin salon & spa

Readers’ Choice

Bombshell Beauty

TheCompanyPainting

READERS’ CHOICE - SPONSORED STORY

When it comes to residential and commercial painting, look no further than The Painting Company.

This local business has provided the highestquality painting services to Omaha and the surrounding area — including Bellevue, La Vista, Ralston, Papillon, Council Bluffs, and other cities — for over three decades.

The Painting Company is led by a team of experts who specialize in every aspect of the craft, making them some of the best, most experienced, and most versatile painters in the industry. They offer a mixture of commercial and residential painting services that include interior and exterior work.

No matter your needs, the painters make sure you’re satisfied with the end product because they take pride in seeing their neighbors with an excellent-looking home or business they themselves can be proud of.

For interior residential painting, The Painting Company is more than equipped to handle the job and help you bring your vision to reality.

When you’re moving into a new home and want to give the interior a beautiful fresh look, their painting services can add extra character to each room. Or if you are selling your home and want to

leave it in pristine condition, they are the pros to call.

If the exterior of your home is starting to show its age, The Painting Company can make it look brand new again.

The Painting Company knows how to transform your cabinets skillfully and quickly, enhancing the look of an entire room. The professional cabinet painting services offered will quickly update your cabinets and woodwork and breathe new life into your home.

If you own a company, you want your commercial property to portray its best qualities to create a great, lasting first impression.

The Painting Company knows how to lend a hand as an experienced commercial painting contractor so you can impress prospective customers and create an inviting workspace for employees. You and your business don’t have to settle for dingy walls or flaking paint.

So no matter what level of painting services you require, The Painting Company will consult with you to determine your needs and the look you’re going for, and then work diligently to bring your vision to life.

With over 30 years of painting experience, they will help you make the best decision on the spot when you need expert advice.

The professionals at The Painting Company believe honesty and integrity are essential elements of a successful business. Customers have come to know The Painting Company’s reputation for top-quality work at a price that is affordable.

It’s never been easier to get started on the creation or transformation of your home or business at a fair price. Call (402) 205-8900 or visit www.gopaintingcompany.com to get a free quote today.

Readers’ Recommend

Concepts Salon

The Salty Blonde

Salon Old Market

The Grey House

Garbo’s Salon and Spa

Readers’ Refer

The Exclusive Chair

Remedy Beauty Bar

The Hair Place

Hank & AX

Bella & Co

LovelySkin

BEST BOOkSTORE

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

The Bookworm

Readers’ Choice

Half Price Books

Barnes & Noble

Hearthside Candles & Curios

Readers’ Recommend

Jackson Street

Booksellers

The Next Chapter

Bookstore

READERS’ CHOICE

BEST CBD SHOP

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

42 Degrees

Readers’ Choice

Greenlight Natural

50 Shades of Green

CBD American Shaman

Readers’ Refer

Wizard’s Pipes and Glass

Grateful Green

Hemp & THC Dispensary

BEST CELL PHONE PROviDER/ C ARRiER

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

verizon Wireless

Readers’ Choice

U.S. Cellular

Readers’ Recommend

AT&T

Readers’ Refer

Google Fi

visible

T-Mobile

BEST CHURCH

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church

Readers’ Choice

Lifegate Church

First United Methodist Church

Beautiful Savior

Lutheran Church

Readers’ Recommend

Providence Church

St. Joan of Arc

Trinity United Methodist Church Ralston

Mary Our Queen

BEST COLLEGE OR UNivERSiT y

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O University of Nebraska at

Omaha

Readers’ Choice

Metropolitan Community College

Creighton University

Readers’ Recommend

Bellevue University

Readers’ Refer

Clarkson College

BEST COSMETiC PRACTiCENONiNvASivE

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Dr. Joel Schlessinger, M.D

Readers’ Choice

Dermatology Specialists of Omaha

Readers’ Recommend ideal image Omaha

Readers’ Refer

Milan Laser Hair Removal

Allure Health & Med Spa

BEST CREDiT UNiON

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Cobalt Credit Union

Readers’ Choice

Centris Federal Credit Union

Metro Credit Union

Readers’ Recommend Omaha Police Federal Credit Union

Readers’ Refer

veridian Creighton Federal Credit Union

BEST DAy SPA

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Faces Day Spa

Readers’ Choice

LovelySkin

The Copper Pin Salon & Spa

Readers’ Recommend

Milan Laser Hair Removal

vibe Salon and Day Spa

Readers’ Refer

Garbo’s Salon & Spa

Sakoon The Spa

BEST DRy CLEANER

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Max i. Walker

Readers’ Choice

Camelot Cleaners

Fashion Cleaners

Readers’ Refer

Nu Trend Dry Cleaners

BEST FiTNESS CENTER

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Genesis Health Clubs

Readers’ Choice

Life Time Fitness

Jewish Community Center

Readers’ Recommend

Mick Doyle’s kickboxing and Fitness Center

Readers’ Refer yMCA

F45 Elkhorn Hotworx

Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping

BEST FLORiST

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O A Flower Basket

Readers’ Choice

Piccolo’s Florist

Dundee Florist

Readers’ Recommend Stems Florist

Readers’ Refer

Matilde

Hy-vee

De Fleur Box

Blooms

Purple Orchid

BEST GROCERy STORE

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Hy-vee

Readers’ Choice

Aldi

Fareway

Trader Joe’s

Readers’ Recommend

Baker’s

Readers’ Refer Whole Foods Market

Exist Green

Natural Grocers

Asian Market

Wohlner’s Family Fare

Costco

BEST HARDWARE STORE

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Menards

Readers’ Choice

Ace Hardware

Readers’ Recommend Home Depot

Lowe’s

Readers’ Refer Petersen & Michelsen Hardware ideal Hardware & Paint Center

BEST iNSURANCE AGENCy

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

State Farm insurance - Greta Ritchie

Readers’ Choice State Farm insurance - Edgar DeLeon

Readers’ Recommend American Family insurance - Steve Grow New Frontier insurance Agency

American Family insurance - John Cuenca Farm Bureau

Jensen insurance Agency

Best Jewelry store

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Borsheims Fine Jewelry

Readers’ Choice

Hearthside Candles & Curios

14 Karat Goldsmith silversmith

Readers’ Recommend

Kay Jewelers

Readers’ Refer

Aletti Jewelry

Jr’s Jewelry

erwin’s Jewelers Co.

Jared

Best MArtiAl

Arts studio

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Mick doyle’s Kickboxing and Fitness Center

Midwest tae Kwon do & sport

Karate

Readers’ Choice

t iger-rock Academy

Readers’ Recommend

Mid-America

Martial Arts

relford Martial Arts

Best MAssAGe

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Massage envy

Readers’ Choice

the Copper Pin salon & spa

Faces day spa

READERS’ CHOICE

Readers’ Recommend

oasis Massage & spa

Readers’ Refer old Market Massage living within your soul

take Five Massage

Balanced Haven

Massage llC

sakoon the spa

Best Men’s ClotHinG

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O lindley Clothing

Readers’ Choice

Jerry ryan

the simple Man

Readers’ Recommend grae

Best nAil sAlon

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

loveland nails & spa

top nails

Readers’ Choice

Minabella Beauty resort

Readers’ Recommend

M. Vince nail spa

Papio nails and spa

Readers’ Refer American nails

rêvé salon and spa

Martini nails & spa

Premier nail Bar

Best orGAniC GroCery store

Readers’ Choice Best of

the Big O trader Joe’s

Readers’ Choice

natural Grocers

whole Foods Market

Readers’ Recommend exist Green

Best Pet store

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Pet smart

long dog Fat Cat

Readers’ Choice

woof & whiskers

Pet supplies Plus Petco

Readers’ Refer Brixtix Bakery Pets r us

Best retAil MeAt Counter

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Fareway Grocery

Readers’ Choice

Just Good Meat stoysich House of sausage

Readers’ Recommend wohlner’s

Readers’ Refer rustic Cuts Butcher shop

Casanova’s Butchery

Frank stoysich

Meats

rick’s Meats

Best retAil ProduCe seleCtion

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O omaha Farmers Market

Readers’ Choice

Hy-Vee whole Foods Market

Baker’s

Readers’ Refer Asian Market Costco exist Green

Best sHoe store

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O Haney shoes

Readers’ Choice dsw designer show warehouse

Readers’ Refer the Mix

Von Maur the 365 store

Best sHoPPinG distriCt/MAll

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O nebraska Crossing outlets

Readers’ Choice westroads Mall Village Pointe old Market

Readers’ Refer shadow lake

Countryside Village rockbrook

Best storAGe FACility

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Milt’s Mini storage

Readers’ Choice

storageMart

the storage loft

dino’s storage

Readers’ Recommend south Pacific storage

Armor storage north 60th street storage

Best store For enGAGeMent rinGs

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O

Borsheims Fine Jewelry

Readers’ Choice

Goldsmith silversmith

Kay Jewelers

Readers’ Recommend Zales

Best store For unique GiFts

Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O City limits

Readers’ Choice

tannenbaum

Christmas shop

Hearthside Candles & Curios

Readers’ Recommend

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THANKS FOR VOTING, OMAHA!

A Slice of Northern Italy

Two of omaha’s mosT-TalenTed Chefs InvITe You To dolomITI PIzzerIa

BY Sara Locke

By the time you’ve read these words, a Marana Forni rotating wood and gas oven will have travelled 4,950 miles from fair Verona, Italy, to a kitchen under construction at Millworks Commons in Omaha.

“We are going domestic, as locally as possible for everything we can. Except the oven. That was never a question. We needed this exact oven, and they’re only made in Italy,” locally renowned chef Tim Maides said.

Maides is a man who can make just about anything work, but just this once, he wasn’t willing to negotiate. An agile talent, Maides has been found behind the line at some of Omaha’s favorite eateries. Always the first to pick up a shift, take over a dropped pop-up, and fill in when a global pandemic has everyone scrambling for dear life.

“We are really lucky to live in a spot where finding the best ingredients in the world doesn’t require importing everything from other countries.” Maides said. “Especially after the pandemic, and after seeing the supply chain break. It’s important that we can build something that kind of instability won’t immediately break.”

And beyond the convenience and sustainability of sourcing closer to home, Maides found outsourcing unnecessary. “We had a lot of fun at the pizza expo,” he said, “but it definitely showed us that we can do just as good or better with products we can get domestically.”

Maides attended the 40th Annual International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas in March with his friend and business partner, Carlos Mendez. The two weren’t in Vegas for your standard boys’ weekend, but for legitimate market research for their upcoming venture, Dolomiti Pizzeria and Enoteca.

“Paul and Annette Smith have been very intentional about how they choose their partners and businesses at Millworks Commons.” Maides said. “Everything that’s being brought in is very intentional, handpicked.”

“Part of what I’ve always loved about working in the Benson area is that it’s a very diverse neighborhood, and everything that is added to Benson is community-focused and inclusive.” said Mendez, former owner of Espana and Hunger Block and current partner at Au Courant. “Millworks is working with that same model. Everything is inclusive and community driven. There is so much consideration for what each establishment is bringing to the neighborhood.”

And what Maides and Mendez are bringing to the neighborhood this fall is the Northern Italian-inspired Dolomiti Pizzeria and Enoteca. Construction is well under way on the establishment, which will reside in the Ashton building beside Coneflower Creamery. Dolomiti will offer wood-fired pizzas, paninis, and salumi, and is looking forward to playing with other offerings once its hits its stride. Enoteca translates roughly to wine library, and Dolomiti will offer a variety of wines on tap

to allow diners to taste, try, and tannin-test a selection of fine flavors to complement their focused menu.

“It would be really cool to do a raclette in the winter, and to start trying some things with rye and some hard-winter wheats once it gets cold outside.” Maides said. The oven may be uniquely designed to fire the perfect pizza, but the innovative minds behind the menu have already been thinking of new ways to put those 700 degrees to work.

“We get to really play around with style here,” Maides said. “We get this perfect thin dough like a New York crust, but then we wood fire it with high heat and use a lot of Neapolitan-style meats and toppings.”

An argument could be made that Omaha has enough places to find pizza. When you’re working with one of Omaha’s favorite foods, even when you get it kind of wrong, it’s still pretty right. But Maides and Mendez have worked in Omaha’s most lauded eateries, and won’t settle for less than perfection. The men are striving toward a single-percentage improvement with every attempt. Getting 1% better than a meal that’s “good enough,” and then trying again tomorrow. In their efforts, they have sourced

the best cheeses, meats, and the perfect tomatoes (outside of growing their own San Marzano in volcanic ash, which they insist wasn’t an option in Omaha)

They aren’t doing it alone. They sing the praises of investor Luis De La Vega, and of a chef they’ve pilfered from Au Courant, Andrew Barnard. Barnard’s baby face belies his years in the industry, battling in the back of the house with some of Omaha’s top talents.

“I was working at Texas Roadhouse in Ames, Iowa, when I was 16,” Barnard said. “I knew I wanted to work in the restaurant industry, but there weren’t a lot of places to work and learn in Ames at the time.” So he did what any teenager would do when not wanting to work at Texas Roadhouse anymore and moved to Germany.

S TORY AND PHOTOS

A Dolomiti pie from A pop-up event this spring.

When he was ready to return, it wasn’t back to his parents’ farm just outside of Des Moines. “My parents are the best,” he said. “We might end up

featuring some of their produce on the menu at some point.”

Instead, he came to Omaha and worked under chef Dario Schicke at Avoli, before moving on to become the culinary coordinator at Au Courant to further his education by fire under brother and chef Ben Maides’ watchful eye.

The men of Dolomiti have softlaunched their slices at a few Omaha popups, and are looking forward to bringing you the fully realized version of their vision this fall. Follow @dolomitipizza on Instagram for updates and to keep your eye on future pop-up dates.

Thanks Omaha for voting us BEST BREWPUB, AGAIN

Proud pioneers of the fermenter-to-table movement.

It would be wrong to say the freshest beer is automatically the best beer. But the best beer almost always tastes its best when it is, in marketing speak, at the peak of freshness. And it’s hard to get any fresher than beer brewed thirty feet away from your table. And it’s doubly hard to get any better than when that table is here at Upstream. But we suspect you already knew that.

From leF t to right: Andrew B ArnArd, executive chef of dolomiti, And chefs cArlos mendez And tim mAides, coowners of dolomiti.

to do in AUGUST

August 4

New American Arts Festival

Benson Neighborhood

And, of course, there will be plenty of food vendors representing the best of Omaha cuisine.

August 4

Yulan Zhou Ink Paintings

MaMO Gallery in Benson

Get ready for an extra-special Benson First Friday. The 10th annual New American Arts Festival (NAAF) will transform the Benson neighborhood on Aug. 4 from 6-10 p.m.

NAAF champions the immigrant, migrant, and refuge communities living in Omaha with several fun, community-building programs.

Among the featured activities include an indoor and outdoor music showcase, dancers, visual artists, a salsa workshop, and a drum workshop.

In conjunction with the 10th annual New American Arts Festival, ink paintings by visiting artist Yulan Zhou will be on display at the MaMO Gallery in the Benson Creative District the first weekend of the month only from 7-10 p.m.

Zhou is a multidisciplinary artist

from China who will be exhibiting her meditative paintings, done in the traditional Asian style using brush, ink and rice paper.

MaMO will present a range of her work produced in China and more recently on her first visit to the U.S. Her art ranges from traditional Chinese paintings to reflections on Buddhist ideals and imagery.

August 4-5

Four Winds Festival Waiting

Room and Reverb Lounge

Petshop Gallery

First Friday in August is a busy time for BFF Omaha and the Benson Creative District. It marks the start of the 10th annual New American Arts Festival. Among other events, don’t miss the Petshop Gallery’s opening for “Junto Al Río De Estos Cielos,” translated to “Next To The River Of These Skies,” paintings and works on paper by Oria Simonini.

Simonini’s figurative and impressionist works depict migrants and refugees – their trials and community. With inspiration sourced from current events, they often reflect how bodies in water occupy space differently depending on class, race and country of origin.

The Four Winds Festival will take place at the Waiting Room and Reverb Lounge over the two nights of Aug. 4-5.

Nearly 40 artists and bands from Omaha and the greater Midwest music scene will perform at this all-ages festival.

Featured performers include Alyeska, C10, Faith Freeman, Jay Influential, Blandford, Yung Rico Chillz, Names Without Numbers, Delreece, Johnny Pain, Forest, Denham, Waiting for Parry, Mumbles, MarquisIsDEAD, Problems, Jay Lively, and many more.

Purchase the two-night package at $25 before fees, or either night individually at $15 before fees.

August 4 - September 29

Junto Al Río De Estos Cielos, by Oria Simonini

Opening Aug. 4 from 7-10 p.m.

August 4-September 30

Hoodlums, Thieves, Dead People & Other Events

Ming Toy Gallery

Some artists learn how to draw as a gateway to a life of creativity. Others turn to it as a coping device. More than just giving life meaning, art for them is a lifesaver. Count Michael Trenhaile among the latter as he transitioned from songster and poet to marks-maker, suffering yet for one’s art.

After a debilitating stroke in 2015, Trenhaile began the healing process with drawing as he continues to suffer from right-side paralysis and aphasia. Ming Toy Gallery features his pen and ink recovery with “Hoodlums, Thieves, Dead People & Other Events,” which opens Aug. 4, from 6-9 p.m. and continues till Sept. 30.

August 5 In the Market for Blues

The Old Market

August 10-October 1

Josh Powell: Falsescapes

Garden of the Zodiac Gallery

of drawing, painting and collage, Powell’s method of piecing together imagery is analogous to the visual fictions he creates, sifting through fragments to create a whole describing both chaos and beauty.

August 11-12 Outlandia Music Festival

Falconwood Park

If you dig the large umbrella of indie music, stop by the two-day Outlandia Music Festival in Bellevue’s Falconwood Park, starting at 8 a.m. on Aug. 11 and ending at 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 12.

August 11-12 Playing with Fire Turner Park

Mark your calendars, folks: In the Market for Blues takes place on Aug. 5 in the Old Market, running from noon until 12:30 a.m.

Check out more than 30 blues artists over 12 hours shredding on 12 indoor and outdoor stages spread across Omaha’s premiere downtown area.

Featured performers include Toronzo Cannon, Hector Anchondo, Hurricane Ruth, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, Kris Lager & the Assembly of Assassins, and more.

Wristbands cost $35 before fees, or purchase a $10 ticket for an individual venue (excluding Mammel Courtyard).

Mixed-media artist Josh Powell continues his complex, apocalyptic storytelling with a solo show of new work at the Garden of the Zodiac Gallery in the Old Market, opening with a public reception Aug. 10 from 6-8 p.m.

“Falsescapes” projects an imagined narrative of a changed landscape, a wasteland in which people scavenge the remnants in their environment to fashion new methods of survival in a stateless society. Using layered elements

Friday performers include Lord Huron, Gregory Alan Isakov, The Good Life, The Envy Corps, and Minne Lussa.

Saturday acts include Modest Mouse, Jimmy Eat World, Manchester Orchestra, The Faint, CAT POWER, Horsegirl, and Criteria.

Single-day tickets cost $89, and two-day admission is $169. Tent camping costs $100 per pass, car camping costs $200, and RV camping costs $800.

The free summer concert series known as Playing with Fire will take place Aug. 11-12 at Turner Park in Midtown Crossing.

The 19th annual festival will include rock, blues, soul and funk.

Friday performers begin at 6:45 p.m., featuring Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado and Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar.

Saturday music begins at 4:30 p.m. with Bywater Call, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, and BluesEd.

Bring your blankets, chairs, and picnics for this all-ages, two-day event and bask in the summer sun.

August 12 Fiber Arts Festival Center Mall (Second Floor)

The third annual Fiber Arts Festival will take place on the second floor of Center Mall on Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This interactive micro-vendor market provides an informal environment for everybody to enjoy the arts and artisans from Omaha.

There will be hand-made items for sale from several local artists, and you can also try crafting with such activities as knitting, spinning, yarning, sewing, paper crafting, and more.

It is free to attend, but admission is limited. You must reserve a ticket online beforehand at eventbrite.com.

August 12

Simplicated

Stinson Park

August 19

Petfest

Petshop Gallery

Are you a fan of far-out sounds? Omaha’s premiere display of underground music will be on full display for Petfest on Aug. 19 at the Petshop Gallery.

This annual Benson festival will feature over 20 artists, bands, and performers, including BIB, Cat Piss, CHEW, Child of Night, DJ ScherriTaivo, FACE, Head of Femur, Jeff in Leather, Little Brazil, Living Conditions, Machete Archive, Mike Schlesinger, Nowhere, Off Contact, Ojai, Pagan Athletes, Queer Nite, Specter Poetics, Universe Contest, and Xid.

The D-Fibs (Kansas City), The Sleepover (Des Moines), and four Omaha punk bands: The Shidiots, River City Rejects, The Bricks and DSM-5.

The outdoor concert will begin at 6 p.m., with doors at 5:30. Tickets cost $10 for the 18-and-up performance.

August 23

Tim Heidecker

The Admiral

Heidecker’s brand of surreal comedy has entertained nearly two decades of sardonic goofballs.

As a stand-up, he works on a whole other absurdist level.

Tickets are $39.50, before fees. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

August 25

Craig Ferguson

The Admiral

Enjoy another free outdoor concert on Aug. 12 from 7-10 p.m. at Stinson Par, located in Aksarben Village. Joining your neighbors in the sun for a show is underrated.

Headlining the event will be the Omaha rock band Simplicated.

There will be vendors slinging food and drink, and plenty of things to entertain kids, such as face painting, balloom artists, and playground equipment.

Feel free to bring chairs, blankets and coolers, but please do not bring glass items, tents, or anything that drives a stake into a ground.

Tickets cost $30-$40 for the all-ages show, which runs from 2 p.m. to midnight.

August 19

Midwest Punk United The Drinkery

A ripping showcase known as Midwest Punk United will lay siege to The Drinkery on Aug. 19, displaying some of the strongetst, most compelling names in punk rock in the Great Plains region.

Performing artists for the Saturday evening show include

Tim Heidecker will perform at The Admiral on Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.

Heidecker is one half of the Tim and Eric Awesome Show and the leader of the weekly call-in video podcast Office Hours, which he co-hosts alongside fellow comedian-musicians Doug Lussenhop (editor for Tim and Eric, writer for Eric Andre Show) and Vic Berger.

Craig Ferguson will perform at The Admiral Theater on Aug. 25.

The Peabody Award-winning Scottish-American comedian was the host of “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” for nine years on CBS, standing out as a particularly sharp, witty, and at times vulnerable writer, monologist, interviewer, and stand-up comedian.

His live comedy career has resulted in six stand-up specials. His 2013 special “I’m Here to Help,” released on Netflix, was nominated for a Grammy award.

Tickets cost $59-$79 before fees for this seated, all-ages show, which starts at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7.

— This report was compiled by Mike Krainak, Janet L. Farber, Kent Behrens and Matt Casas

Noche Latina’s First Drag Show a Success

OMAHA’S LATIN EVENT KICKS OFF WITH AUDITIONS FOR BEST OF THE BEST

By Bridget Fogarty | PhOTOS

It was just after 10:30 p.m. when the first techno beats of Spain’s late trans icon Cristina “La Veneno” Ortiz Rodríguez’s “Veneno Pa Tu Piel” pulsed through the speakers in Flixx Lounge’s cabaret bar on South 10th Street.

“Mírame, mírame bien a la cara y dime — mírame…”

Colorful lights flashed against Latin American flags hung around the room and dozens of spectators cheered from seats at small tables huddled around the catwalk as the stage door opened with a bang.

Juanna V Mii, the 22-year-old drag queen and evening’s host, walked in with a flowing red cape and a rose in her black hair as the chorus crooned: “¡Veneno pa tu piel!”

Venom for your skin!

“I’m just going to go over some ground rules,” Juanna said as the crowd settled down. “Make sure to stay off the stage because you do not want to get hit in the eye with a heel. It has happened, and it’s not pretty, OK? OK, lo voy a repetir en español ahora.”

Noche Latina, a new monthly drag show dedicated to Latin performers, kicked off its first

By Chris Bowling

show on July 8 with The Auditions, a competition to decide which performers will snag a spot in the show’s recurring cast. While the bilingual show isn’t the first of its kind in Omaha, and Latin performers have always played a large role in Omaha’s drag community, Juanna said she saw that Omaha lacked a consistent show focused on upholding and amplifying Latin performers, and she wanted to close that gap.

“We want to select the best of the best Latin entertainers from the area,” Juanna told The Reader before taking the stage. “I’m hoping that they bring that caliber to every show, and that’s going to be the standard.”

Noche Latina’s revival offers Omaha’s Latin queer community a safe space in the wake of a Nebraska Legislature session marked by anti-LGBTQ+ bills. Nebraska lawmakers passed a bill in May to restrict genderaffirming care for minors and ban transition surgeries. Another bill, which would have prohibited minors from attending drag shows, failed to pass. Proponents of the bills have said the legislation is about protecting children, while opponents say it infringes on queer people’s rights, health and expression.

aL aNa m

viviaNa said she sees the show as a space for both youNger aNd more experieNced performers to grow aNd feeL safe

While Noche Latina is a 21+ event, Juanna hopes to raise funds through future shows to benefit local nonprofits that provide resources for Latin queer and trans youth and adults in Omaha and the Midwest.

“Right now, we still have legislation against trans people, and they need support,” she said.

eevee earNed a pL ace as a member of Noche LatiNa’s cast for the moNthLy show at fLixx LouNge at 1015 s. 10th st.

Throughout the night, queens honored the diversity of Latin culture through catwalk struts in Mexican folkloric costumes and lip sync performances. For some femme drag entertainers, performing songs by Selena, Gloria Trevi and other Latin divas honors the superstars they grew up listening to as Latin queer kids, said Tia Pet, a drag queen and judge for the evening.

“It’s almost like a full circle moment,” Pet said. “They helped us be strong as queer kids, and now we get to kind of pay them back by honoring and performing their songs.”

Alana M Viviana, who won first place at Noche Latina and

landed a spot on the cast, said she sees the show as a space to bring together younger and more experienced performers to grow and feel safe.

“What I love about it is that it’s a mix,” Viviana said. “It’s not just newer entertainers; it’s not older entertainers. It’s a mix of all of us in between from different generations of drag, different generations of performing.”

Noche Latina’s next performance date hasn’t been announced. Juanna said audiences can expect to catch the show each month at Flixx Lounge at 1015 S. 10th St.

Noche LatiNa coNtestaNt eevee puts the fiNishiNg touches oN her makeup before the competitioN.

QueeNs Like eevee hoNor the diversity of LatiN cuLture through catwaLk struts aNd Lip syNc performaNces

Clueless 1995

Dir. Amy Heckerling

Aug 1, 6 PM Ruth Sokolof

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION & POST-SCREENING DISCUSSION

The Molly Maguires 1970

Dir. Martin Ri

Aug 29, 6 PM Ruth Sokolof

Kasi Lemmons

Wavemaker Award

Celebration

Aug 19, 7 PM Dundee

AUGUST AT FILM STREAMS

Italian Political

Cinema of the ‘70s

SPONSORED BY SAM WALKER

SERIES

Aug 18-24 Ruth Sokolof

The Conformist 1970

Dir. Bernardo Bertolucci

Love & Anarchy 1973

Dir. Lina Wertmüller

Kasi Lemmons

Retrospective Series

Aug 11-17

Ruth Sokolof

Harriet 2019

Black Nativity 2013

Dundee

FOR SHOWTIMES & TICKETS VISIT FILMSTREAMS.ORG

Sacco & Vanzetti 1971

Dir. Giuliano Montaldo

Talk to Me 2007

Eve’s Bayou 1997

Thanks & No Thanks

This isN’ T Goodbye, buT iT’s Close

by Ryan SyRek

me, I’m-a the exorcist for a pretty famous guy. He’s-a the pope!” “Demons” in this case refers to the theater guests who have lost their absolute and total minds. The other night, a guy took his shoes off and set them, all stanky, on the seat next to us. If he had placed his grotesque feet pouches up and onto a couch in his own home, I’d have thought him insane. Those are floor items.

otherwise speak share a moment, give a digital high-five, and then get very sad about the reason a different celebrity was trending.

No Thank you: streaming services

Last year marked 20 years as a film critic. I went on a self-indulgent bender, thanking all sorts of people, sharing all kinds of reflections, and talking about the best and worst movies I’ve ever seen. All those things would typically fill the last few pieces for a critic mourning the end of a two-decade publication partnership. I did not know the end was near. As has so frequently been the case in my life, Past Ryan royally biffed things up for Future Ryan, and now Present Ryan finds himself cleaning up a mess. Present and Future Ryan really hate Past Ryan. Past Ryan doesn’t care.

Anyway, there are only so many ways I can thank you wonderful readers or show gratitude to local folks who shaped Omaha into a downright decent movie town. I’ve done that a lot recently. besides, next month I will eulogize the film section and this beloved outlet itself in separate pieces. Also, I’m just a doofus who talked about movies in print, and who wants to read more about my gratitude? Instead, let’s have a bit of fun. Here are my thank-yous and no-thank-yous, which are likely to be of wider interest.

No Thank you: Theater demons

This isn’t literal because no theaters are possessed after Russell Crowe came in and said, “It’s-a

This is the thing: Everyone boils movie etiquette down to not talking or texting. Those things are bad, but it’s like some people took those sins as a challenge. There is so much weird, awful stuff folks are doing, it’s like they are beings who feed only on public disgust. I couldn’t decide which I hated more: the new wave of silently rude theater dwellers or theaters that have live music performed at a high decibel while movies are screening. The guy with the shoes tipped the scales with his foot funk.

Thank you: Twitter

Oh, not Twitter now. Please! I mean back before the car/rocket/ community exploder bought it. I don’t think you understand how incredible it felt for both indie artists and fans to have a chance for healthy, positive, verified exchanges. brit Marling responded to a Tweet of mine. So did Issa López and Die Hexen. To be able to tell someone you admire that their work on a film touched you can be transformative for both parties.

Of course, that’s just one angle, as artists of all kinds are also subjected to online toxic torment and the obviously evil other “black Mirror” aspects of the platforms. I am grateful though for those times when it seemed to be doing what it was designed to do, when it let two people who would never

Think about how bad you have to be at your job to be negatively compared to cable television. “I miss cable TV” is something people have rightfully thought or said recently. Sure, cable had terrible customer service and high prices. Streaming services now have both of those awful things and are purging content, exploiting folks who make movies and TV, and reducing every idea to its grossest marketable form.

Sorry, Criterion Channel. This is like when most of the class didn’t turn homework in, but you did and got an A, but then the teacher yelled at the whole class. Actually, Criterion is a great example of how to leverage this technology properly. It can be done. but it isn’t and won’t be, so no thank you to you, Max.

Thank you: Merchandisers

I ordered an Original berf shirt before I finished watching the episode of “The bear” in which it appeared. y’all do not know how spoiled you are for movie and TV merch. I don’t care if you love or hate Funko Pops, A24 made a limited-edition bear statue from “Midsommar.” you can Google whatever your favorite weird movie is and someone has made a weird, creative furniture piece for it.

you can buy replicas of whatever insane prop you loved from a crappy 1990s sci-fi bomb. I have yet to find a movie you can’t buy a T-shirt from. I just found one for “Aniara.” That is an objectively de-

pressing (but inspiring) film based on a 1956 Swedish science-fiction poem. Look, capitalism is objectively oppressive, so we have to at least enjoy the little things. I have a plush “Alien” face-hugger, an Indiana Jones Mr. Potato Head, and so many framed prints and art. Surround yourself with what makes you happy, as this is a golden time for this stuff.

No Thank you: Timothee Chalamet

If you remember me for anything, remember me for this: I hate you, Timothee Chalamet.

Not as a person. I don’t know you. Maybe you’re nice. I do not care. What I care about is the fact that your acting is violently upsetting to me, and yet people keep putting you in everything. you are Space Paul in “Dune” and Willy Wonka now? you had a scene with Florence Pugh in “Little Women” that made me briefly think, “I don’t know, maybe we shouldn’t talk out loud to each other anymore.”

Again, perhaps you’re awesome in real life. Not everyone likes everything or everyone. you are my movie kryptonite, the cinematic lactose to which I am intolerant. I kinda liked you in “Don’t Look Up,” but I think that’s because I was being invited to dislike you. Which I do. Once more, only as a performer. Maybe if you were, as Cookie Monster says, a sometimes food, I could handle it. but you are everywhere, and I need it to stop. Have you considered trying music instead? I could simply not listen then. Ask Jared Leto about it. you two have at least one thing in common.

No thank you, Timothee Chalamet. Thank you, readers. See you next time for goodbye.

A still of me!

Turns Out, the Mission Is Only Impossible for Ladies

‘MIssIOn: IMpOssIbLe – DeaD ReckOnIng paRT One’ Is JusT HaLf gOOD

With a plot lifted from season three of “Westworld” and dialogue that sounds like Christopher Nolan fanfiction, “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One” (“MI7”) is even clunkier than its stupid name. Within its nearly three hours are 90 minutes of fantastic car chases, train crashes, and espionage-adjacent shenanigans. Those are paired with more than an hour of groan-inducing, overexplaining, lazy and amateur mistreatment of all women, and a truly mind-boggling amount of slowly performed sleight-ofhand “tricks.”

“MI7” is like the Oops Extra Raisins version of trail mix, with (Ethan) hunting and pecking for the tastier morsels leaving you questioning its worth. Virtually no one is yet sick of Tom Cruise offering himself as a human sacrifice to the Lord of Stunts. but must we endure actors having to meticulously describe an evil sentient AI program as though no one in the audience has heard of a computer? This was written

by Ryan SyRek

Jeffrey Zhang at Strange

Harbors says: “It’s true that there is no green screen or VFX in the world that can ape Tom Cruise’s brazen stunt work, but perhaps even more importantly, there is no deception capable

before ChatGPT and is about a demonic ChatGPT but feels like it was written by ChatGPT, down to its own deification. The GPT doesn’t actually stand for God Performs Typing. If there were only a way to transition from dangerous-but-silly divine beings to Tom Cruise that wouldn’t prompt a Scientolo-lawsuit.

In the sure sign of a floundering script, “MI7” has like five prologue/intro sequences, many of which involve copious amounts of “telling” and not “showing” why a self-aware computer program is a bad thing. The guy who played “The Terminator” is 75 now, everyone gets it. Anyway, Ethan Hunt (Cruise) has to get a magic key that will somehow stop “The Entity,” which is the most workshopped name for a digital bad guy ever. To get

Half of tHis film is a fantastic, goofy tHrill ride. in tHe otHer Half, tHey talk. if you can endure exposition and casual misogyny, you get to see tom cruise run all silly again. IMAGE: A stIll froM “MIssIon: IMpossIblE DEAD rEckonInG pArt onE”

said key, he works with old friends Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson), benji (Simon Pegg), and Luther (Ving Rhames). being included first in that recap list is the nicest thing that happens to a woman involved with this movie.

On his way to acquire said key, Ethan encounters Grace (Hayley Atwell), a thief who

subsequently is spoken to like she’s 5 years old for the rest of the movie. During the phenomenal and goofy car chase, she is repeatedly shown to be bad at and afraid of driving, like an ’80s stand-up comedian joke come to life. Actually, pretty much every time she goes to do anything, Ethan steps in to do it for her. She is allowed to

of mimicking Cruise’s very real - and therefore very convincing - trepidation: the glint of fear in his eye, the gulp of courage down his throat.”

Gayle Sequeira at Film Companion says: The film is “a looser,

slower installment, which is a frankly insane thing to say about a film in which the countdown to disarm a bomb with a billion potential coded combinations is just a side quest.”

Lindsay Traves at Pajiba says: “By being imperfect, this film might lag behind its franchise’s installments, but it’s nothing if not a wonderful, watchable, and exciting action thrill ride.”

do close-up magic often. Stand aside giant train wreck, nothing gets audiences hotter than “the key was right behind your ear this whole time!”

It is fine that the “plot” doesn’t get wrapped up because it is irrelevant. Although one of the weaker installments, “Mission: Impossible III” at least hilariously named its MacGuffin “the rabbit’s foot” and never said what it was. All that truly matters is establishing enough of a context for Tom Cruise to get fired out of a cannon into the mouth of a lab-grown dinosaur or whatever. That shouldn’t take three hours.

What’s more troubling is how every female character is handled. Atwell is infantilized, while Ferguson and Pom Klementieff are arguably treated even worse. To go further would be all kinds of spoilery, so you’ll have to trust me that the big-budget, action-movie franchise starring an aging male hero didn’t do right by the women in it. The movie so oddly parallels the superior “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” that it’s hard not to think that this was poorly copied from it. But that’s not something artificial intelligence would do.

“MI7” insists upon itself, hoists itself by its own petard, and probably several other oldtimey adages. If Part Two is an hour and a half of nothing but Cruise doing daredevil stupidities with that killer theme song, it will all be worth it. But as it stands, this is a half-step toward what happened with the “Fast and Furious” franchise, which bloated itself by focusing on all the wrong stuff. Vin Deisel should “Ghost of Christmas Future” Cruise if necessary.

Grade = C+

CUTTING ROOM

By Ryan SyRek

It’s not every day that you get to meet the most prolific Black woman theatrical film director of a generation. That day is Aug. 19 at the Dundee Theater during a presentation of the inaugural Film Streams Wavemaker Award, which is being given to Kasi Lemmons. Her resume is so impressive, retyping it is making me rethink my life. In addition to the films “Eve’s Bayou,” “Talk to Me,” “Harriet,” and the more recent “Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” her first libretto “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” was the first opera by an African American composer and librettist performed at The Metropolitan Opera when it opened the Met’s 2021-2022 season. A retrospective of Lemmons’ work will be screened at the Dundee the week of Aug 11-17, in advance of the award ceremony, which will be chaired by Cindy Heider and Rachel Jacobson and moderated by Deirdre Haj. There will be a cocktail reception before the event, at which I guess you’ll have to make small talk pretending you understand how much work writing a libretto takes. Or at least what a libretto is. It’s not a small library, right? No. That’s stupid, sorry. Anyway, this is an incredible honor for a remarkable artist who definitely knows what a libretto is.

Film Streams also understands that Labor Day isn’t just about retail discounts and a chance to almost have as many free days as working days in a week. It is about Sean Connery telling anti-union activists to “Shove it up their arses!” On Aug. 29 at 6 p.m., you can hit the Ruth Sokolof Theater for a screening of “Molly Maguires,” which stars Connery as an Irish immigrant

miner fighting against “The Man.” In this case, that term is used corporately and not to refer to Alex Trebek. After the movie, there will be a discussion moderated by Jim Begley, director of the William Brennon Institute for Labor Studies. I’m guessing that much of the studies of labor have concluded “workers keep getting hosed.” Anyway, considering that the writers and screen actors guilds went on strike, this is probably even more fitting. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to watch old movies because we haven’t addressed labor inequity and now we won’t get new movies.

Filmmaker David Lynch and I have so many things in common. We’re both alive human males who were profoundly shaped by “The Wizard of Oz.” It’s like we’re twins, really. Although countless billions have been inspired by the classic film, the documentary “Lynch/Oz” focuses on the only one of those billions to make “Blue Velvet.” On Aug. 23 at 7:15, Alamo Drafthouse is screening the doc, which promises to change the way you think about the Tin and Elephant Men. I am sucker for cinematic intertextual analyses, hydrophobic witches, and smearing lipstick all over my face. So I’m pretty sure this one is just for me.

Have I mentioned that I love outdoor movies? It’s like “What are we doing? We’re outside and watching a movie? We’re defying the natural order of things!” Anyway, you can have that feeling by going out behind The Dairy Chef in Elkhorn. I realize that sounds like a Craigslist handoff location, but it’s genuinely an opportunity to see movies out of

A dOCumeNTARy CAlled “lyNCh/Oz” explOReS The CONNeCTiON beTWeeN dAVid lyNCh ANd “The WizARd Of Oz.” iT Will leAVe yOu ASKiNg big queSTiONS liKe “Why hASN’ T Kyle mClAChl AN pl Ayed dOROThy OR TOTO yeT?”

IMAGE: ThE posTEr for Lynch/ oz, A fILM coMInG To ALAMo

doors. Aug. 12, you can see “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” And Sept. 9, you can see “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” Remember, kids, if you believe in yourself, the world is your movie theater, including behind the Dairy Chef in Elkhorn.

Cutting Room provides breaking local and national movie news … complete with added sarcasm. Send any relevant information to film@ thereader.com.

Check out Ryan on KVNO 90.7 on Wednesdays and follow him on Twitter @ thereaderfilm.

A Flood of Mid-Summer Omaha Music Releases

BY MarQ Manner

Aflood of new music is coming out of Omaha, including longtime projects and debut albums. Here are some notable recent releases:

Uh-Oh

Omaha indie rock band

Uh-Oh has announced a new monthly music series called “Cicada Songs.” The group will be releasing two songs monthly through October. The band says, “A lot of these songs revolve around trying to find peace in the things staring you right in the face — family and friends, long drives and thunderstorms, fireflies blinking and cicadas singing.” The first songs for July are “Gold At The End” and “A Line In Your Book.” You can find these on Spotify, Bandcamp, and other streaming services.

Marcey Yates

Marcey Yates has released a new album online called “Chocolate For Water.” This follows “The Cool Wxrld” in 2022 with XOBOI and the collaborative “Culxr House: Freedom Summer” album that won Album of the Year at The 16th Annual Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards. That year, Yates also won the Outstanding Hip-Hop Award. Yates has a description of the inspiration for the new album, which you can read on his Bandcamp page. It is very personal. The album features guests Noni, The Fey, Flowz 4 Daze, Verze The Ape King, Tylenol, and Grand Agent. The release’s artwork features a design by SCKY. The album is available on Bandcamp and streaming services.

RAF

Waiting Room Lounge on Aug. 26.

King Iso

“No Salvation” is the new album from the legendary Omaha hardcore punk band RAF. The band is made up of Paul Moerke, Tim Cox, Dereck Higgins, Dan Stewart, and Kelly Raf, who have been the go-to punk band in Omaha for decades. “No Salvation” is available for download at the group’s Bandcamp page and will be available on vinyl at an album release show at The

Omaha based hip-hop artist King Iso has released a new single. “Way You Are” is a song about his son’s diagnosis with autism. King Iso also released a video for the song that features him and his son. At the end of the video, he states, “From anybody on the spectrum or dealing with autism, from my kid to kids around the world to teens and young adults, you are not sick; you are just the way you are.” King Iso took home Artist of the Year at the 2022 Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards and rapped about his own mental health journey on his last album, “Get Well Soon,” which came out on the nationally distributed Strange Music label owned by Tech N9ne. King Iso states that he is working on a new album. “Way You Are” is available on streaming sites and Apple Music.

Ebba Rose, Erin Mitchell’s solo act, released her debut album “Ebbs & Flows” on June 20, both on CD and online. Ebba Rose stated on Facebook about the album, “We started tracking some of my improvised jams and piano ballads in his (producer Cody Rahman’s) home studio, watching slowly as the project grew. As we continued working, the album really took shape, and the title “Ebbs & Flows” was solidified. It symbolizes my personal ups and downs and the general push and pull of life. The more I leaned into the ebb and flow, the better I felt.”

Other releases that have come out recently include Cowgirl Eastern’s debut album, “Amputate Yer Timber,” which was released to streaming services on July 13. Dereck Higgins has a new release with Brian Day entitled “Woven Territories.” The release is available for download and purchase on CD through Higgins’ Bandcamp page or the label Public Eyesore’s Bandcamp page. Indie act Bach Mai released its latest album “Good Try” in mid-July. The album was preceded by the single “The Process.” “Good Try” is available now on streaming platforms.

Ebba Rose

Soulful Blues

AugusT Offers PlenT y Of greAT shOws frOm Pl Aying wiTh

fire TO JAzz On The green, Plus Club gigs And TOuring evenT s

The second big weekend of free Playing With Fire (PWF) concerts happens Friday and Saturday, Aug. 11-12, at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing. This is the 19th year for the concert series organized by founder/ talent booker Jeff Davis.

Friday, Aug. 11, music starts at 6:45 p.m. with Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado from Copenhagen, Denmark. The seven-piece band has released 12 albums, won two Danish Music Awards and received seven nominations. It was recognized as the Best Band in the 2017 European Blues Awards. The group was seen at PWF in 2019. Also performing are Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar from Toronto. With a sound the band describes as “pure, unadulterated gospeltinged, neuron-tingling magic,” they have garnered multiple nominations in the Maple Blues Awards and the Juno Awards.

Saturday, Aug. 12, music starts at 4:30 p.m. with BluesEd youth development band Us & Them. Lincoln’s internationally recognized funky soul band Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal

BY B.J. HUCHTEMANN

takes the stage next, followed by Joanne Shaw Taylor. Blues Blast Magazine called Taylor “one of the true superstars in the British blues scene” and “one of the most sought-after guitarists in the blues-rock community.” The final act of the weekend is Bywater Call from Toronto. According to its website, the band is influenced by “a love for southern soul, blues and roots music and a passion to create a powerful and moving experience.” Bywater Call has been recognized with nominations from the Maple Blues Awards and Independent Blues Awards.

Find all the details at playingwithfireomaha.net.

Jazz on the Green

Jazz on the Green features sax man Chad Stoner on Thursday, Aug. 3, for a night of R&B and funk. Special guests from the Washington state blues scene, Polly O’Keary & The Rhythm Method, open the show at 7:30 p.m. O’Keary is a multiple award winner, including six-time Washington Blues Society Best Female Vocalist and six-time Best Blues Songwriter.

This summer’s final Jazz on the Green on Thursday, Aug. 10, features popular bluesrock guitarist Ana Popovic. Her latest 2023 recording is titled “Power,” and the guitarist has revealed that themes on the record grew out of her fight with breast cancer during the pandemic. Her

new bio states that “she wants to inspire people: no matter what life throws at you, pick yourself up and come back twice as strong.” Opening the show at 7:30 p.m. is Omaha R&B, soul and funk band The Toast featuring vocalist Aly Peeler and musicians including Andrew Bailie, Mitch Towne, Dale Black and Matt Arbeiter

In the Market for Blues

The annual In the Market for Blues festival is Saturday, Aug. 5. The multi-venue, multi-band event continues the idea originated by Héctor Anchondo. It is produced now by the Blues Society of Omaha. You’ll find 12 hours of blues from noon to midnight with over 30 bands on indoor and outdoor stages in the Old Market, the Capitol District and the Holland Center’s Mammel Courtyard. Chicago blues-rocker and Alligator Records star Toronzo Cannon headlines the event. The lineup includes BOOMCHANK, Hadden Sayers’ duo with acclaimed Texas percussionist Brannen Temple.

Other bands scheduled include Hurricane Ruth, Tony Holiday, Shaw Davis & the Black Ties, Josh Garrett Band, Polly O’Keary & The Rhythm Method, Kevin Burt, Scott Ellison Band, Levee Town, Blue House with the Rent to Own Horns, The Mezcal Brothers, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal and Kris Lager & the Assembly of Assassins Anchondo plays full band and solo sets.

Admission is $35. See the full band list and participating

venues or purchase tickets at omahablues.com/in-the-marketfor-blues

Zoo Bar Highlights

Lincoln’s historic Zoo Bar’s August shows include Memphis boogie keyboard wizard Jason D. Williams and the Mezcal Brothers on Friday, Aug. 4, at 5 p.m. Austin’s Black Joe Lewis Trio takes the stage Sunday, Aug. 6, 6-8 p.m. Lewis is known as the bandleader of Austin’s funky, soulful Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears. Tuesday, Aug. 29, 6-9 p.m., The Legendary Shack Shakers perform with the rockin’ Dallas blues band The 40 Acre Mule. Monday, Sept. 11, 6-9 p.m., GA-20 performs. Keep up with late-breaking shows at The Zoo at facebook. com/zoobarblues and find the schedule at zoobar.com.

Hot Notes

Steve Earle hits The Admiral with his solo acoustic tour

Wednesday, Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m. Find tickets at etix.com.

Friday, Aug. 11, at Lincoln’s Pinewood Bowl, catch a fantastic bill of roots artists when Trombone Shorty and Ziggy Marley perform with special guests Mavis Staples and Robert Randolph. See pinewoodbowltheater.com.

Saturday, Sept. 2, the Brandon Santini Band headlines the Highway 91 Music Fest on the football field at the former Dana College site in Blair. Admission is $15. Music starts at 3 p.m. Proceeds go to Angels Share. BluesEd bands The Redwoods and Vertigo open the show. Look up ‘Blair, Nebraska - Highway 91 Music Fest’ on Facebook for details.

Blues-rocker Joanne shaw Taylor is among The naTional and inTernaTional arTisTs expecTed To heaT up The free playing wiTh fire series aug. 11-12. Photo courtesy joanneshawtaylor.com

Dance Punk Legends Come Home

THe FainT is seT TO PuT On iT s energeTiC sHOw aT OuTL anDia

By Jesse D stanek

Omaha has a rich history supporting bands and solo artists, many of whom put on memorable shows. We’ve seen the bare-bones attack of The Box Elders, the pounding drive of Cursive and the ferociousness of Frontier Trust. But pound for pound, nobody tops The Faint when it comes to energy.

Smoke machines and swaying strobes, pulsing synths, fuzzed up speed guitar, frontman Todd Fink’s trademark hat shadowed behind the band and a rhythm section tighter than a hipster’s jeans. The band’s energy is infectious, a dance party from the get-go, the visual collages and smoke machines merely highlighting the main course, the band’s singular and iconic brand of electro dance punk. While The Faint goes all out visually, it’s the bass, keyboards, drums and guitar that make the band a one-of-a-kind live sensation.

authentic sound. It’s this rawness, the movement it inspires in the band and crowd, the sweaty bodies and nodding heads, that lends itself to one of those semi-rare instances in which band and crowd play off each other. It’s more personal with this band.

iF YOu gO: The Faint

The band’s current lineup is Fink, his younger brother Clark Baechle on drums, Dapose on guitar and newcomer Graham Ulicny on keyboards.

o Where: Falconwood Park, Bellevue

o When: aug. 11-12

o Tickets: www. outlandiafestival.com

“We met Graham when he was playing with Reptar,” Fink said during a recent phone interview.

“He moved to Omaha, he was dating a girl from Icky Blossoms. He moved to Atlanta eventually, he plays everything really well, but just does keyboards in The Faint.”

while the members live apart presents a unique set of difficulties.

“We’re still trying to figure out the best place for our equipment,” Fink said. “We made the decision to put it here in the desert by me and so that worked for a bit. And now we’re having to rent a truck to drive out and back from Omaha. But it is nice to practice out here, we can play as loud as we want. We’ve been practicing to make sure we remember how to play these songs.”

get to sneak in a couple of the newer songs, the stuff we’ve been working on that people might not be as familiar with.”

There has always been a manic sexual energy to The Faint’s music. Oh really, you might say, a band with songs called “Casual Sex,” “Worked Up So Sexual” and “Erection” has a sexual energy? But it goes deeper with this band. For an act working wholeheartedly in the electronic realm, pushing boundaries, The Faint has always managed to maintain a raw and

Fink and his wife, artist/musician Orenda Fink (Azure Ray, Closeness, High Up), relocated to the Joshua Tree area in Southern California, after ruling out the home of Orenda’s record label in Savannah, Georgia. With Fink’s side business making hats, Joshua Tree was the better choice. “People in Savannah don’t wear felt hats,” he said with a laugh. With Ulicny in Georgia and Baechle in Philadelphia, Dapose is the only remaining member living in Omaha. As the band has learned, keeping an artistic entity going

The band’s upcoming performance at the Outlandia Festival will be its first in Omaha since the 2019 Waiting Room show with Choirboy and Closeness. Much has changed since The Faint released “Media” in 1998. Members have come and gone and the band has spread out around the country, but the intensity of a show just gets better and better as the band refines its approach.

“Playing live, it’s tough to choose what songs to play,” Fink said. “It’s fun to play the songs people want you to play. It’s much easier to stir up the energy with familiarity. And then we

With a 25-year history, The Faint has become a mainstay. It has managed to avoid many of the pitfalls other bands experience while continuing to fine tune its iconic electro punk. “Somethings are always going to be true,” Fink said. “The important thing to figure out is who you are and what you have to offer and then make that undeniable in your art. Sometimes you get lucky as far as making a living goes. That’s the first duck to get in a row.

“At the end of the day,” he said, “nobody needs more of the same. Figure out who you are and do things only you can do.”

Todd Fink, FronTman F or The FainT, is more Than a musician. he also has a side business making haT s. Photo: Bill Sitzman

Garry Trudeau

Jeffrey KoTerba

Jen SorenSen

Back Underground Despite Having More venUes tHan ever, oMaHa inDie Fans are Hitting tHe roaD

By Tim mcmahan

Having made the turnoff to I-35 near Des Moines, we decided to stop in Story City, Iowa, to grab some grub before the drive to Minneapolis. The DQ was quietly busy for a Tuesday lunch rush. A table filled with giggling high school girls ate french fries surrounded by a small cadre of older folks who’d made the trip into town in their Ford F-Whatevers.

A chili dog and a turtle Blizzard later and we were back on the road, knowing we’d hit the Twin Cities with time to spare before the 9 p.m. showtime.

These days, road trips like this have become common for indie music fans who are finding themselves driving to Kansas City, Chicago, Des Moines, Denver or the Twin Cities to see the bands that once made Omaha a required tour stop, but for whatever reasons now skip our fair city.

For you young readers who weren’t around in the glory days, a quick history lesson: Twenty or so years ago — in the aughts era of this century — Omaha was, for a brief moment, the center of the indie music world. No, really, I’m not kidding. Every national music magazine, along with a handful

of non-music publications such as Newsweek and Time, wrote glowing feature stories about our city’s indie music scene. Or as Jenny Lewis’ LA band Rilo Kiley put it on the title track of their 2002 album, “The Execution of All Things”:

Someone come quickly, this place was built for moving out.

Leave behind buildings, the city planners got mapped out.

Bring with you history and make your hard-earned feast.

Then we’ll go to Omaha to work and exploit the booming music scene.

A big part of the attention was due to Saddle Creek Records, our little hometown indie label that released album after album of hits from Bright Eyes, The Faint, Cursive and Rilo Kiley. But there was more to it than that. Like indie music pied pipers, a small handful of eager, young local promoters hustled to bring the country’s best indie bands to Omaha for rock shows. First it was the Saddle

IndIe band Hello Mary on stage at 7tH st. entry In MInneapolIs In July.

Creek Records guys -- Robb Nansel and Jason Kulbel — and then the 1% Productions folks — Marc Leibowitz, Jim Johnson and their crew.

Ground zero was Sokol Underground, a basement venue tucked under the South Omaha music hall/gymnasium Sokol Auditorium. Every week, some of the nation’s best indie bands played at Sokol Underground. Acts such as Arcade Fire, Interpol, Built to Spill and Death Cab for Cutie got their starts playing for a few hundred slackers in that smoke-filled bunker.

By 2007, those young music promoters hungered for more and opened venues of their own. The Slowdown, run by the Saddle Creek Records guys, and The Waiting Room, run by 1%, opened their doors and funneled all those Sokol Underground shows to their shiny new stages. It was indie music heaven, with touring indie bands playing almost nightly through the end

OVER THE EDGE

of the aughts and into the early 20-teens.

But things changed quickly. Technology in the form of streaming media ate the music industry, and while major ar tists continued to flourish, small indie bands suddenly had to figure out a new way to make money now that no one was buying records at that time. The pandemic pushed our indie scene further over the cliff, and the last shove was when a generation of music fans that had gone to shows at Sokol Underground grew up, had families and quit listening to music.

The irony is that today, Omaha has more music venues than ever, including two new 3,000-capacity music halls — Steelhouse Omaha downtown and The Astro music hall/amphitheater, which opens this month in La Vista. And while they no doubt will pull in all kinds of pop, country, metal and comedy acts, these huge facilities serve no purpose for the kind of young indie bands that made Omaha

famous 20 years ago — bands that draw only a few hundred rather than a few thousand concertgoers.

It’s not all bad news for indie music lovers. The annual Maha Festival still books terrific indie acts -- this year is no exception, with indie royalty Big Thief, The Beths, Alvvays and Turnstile among the lineup. The Outlandia Festival, in its second year, has booked legacy indie acts Modest Mouse and The Faint. And Reverb Lounge, The Waiting Room, Slowdown and The Sydney still host the occasional indie show — but they are few and far between.

Today, a vast majority of modern indie bands -- the bands currently dominating college radio charts — no longer consider Omaha when booking tours. Have they simply forgotten about us, or are promoters and venue owners unwilling to take a chance on them for fear of losing money? For answers, more research is needed.

In the meantime, the only solution for indie fans: If the bands aren’t coming to you, go to the bands.

The drive time to Minneapolis ended up being about six hours due to gnarly construction just outside the Twin Cities. That night we saw breakthrough acts Blondshell and opener Hello Mary at 7th St. Entry — the small club adjacent to First Avenue, the venue Prince made famous. It was a hot, crowded, sold-out show from two bands that are selling out small rooms throughout the country, the kind of show our city used to be known for. After 25 years, we’ve come full circle and Omaha’s indie music scene is back underground, again.

Over The edge is a mOnThly cOlumn by reader seniOr cOnTribuTing wriTer Tim mcmahan fOcused On culTure, sOcieT y, music, The media and The arTs. email Tim aT Tim.mcmahan@ gmail.cOm.